Title: That godless court? : Supreme Court decisions on church-state relationships /
Authors: Flowers, Ronald B. 1935-
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press,
Year: 2005
Subjects: United States.; Church and state United States; Religion and state United States.; Freedom of religion United States
Abstract: "In this helpful and instructive book, updated to include discussions of the Supreme Court's decisions through the fall 2004 term, Ronald B. Flowers explains clearly and concisely the intricacies and implications of Supreme Court decisions in the volatile area of church-state relations. This is an ideal primer for those Americans who have listened to the debates about what the Supreme Court has and has not said about the relationship between church and state and where the boundaries between the two have been eroded. It is also ideal for use in the classroom and is a helpful tool for pastors, clarifying contemporary church-state issues that impact their churches and parishioners directly and indirectly."--BOOK JACKET.
Contents: The Court and its procedures -- Background of constitutional principles -- Defining the scope of religious freedom prior to 1963 -- The uncertain status of religious freedom : 1963-2004 -- From congregational fights to pacifism -- Aid to church-related schools -- Religion in public schools -- Blue laws, bars, taxes, and plastic reindeer : the complexity of establishment clause issues -- Flash points and the future.