Dimensions: 6'' x 9'' 273 pages AEI Press  (Washington) Publication Date: April 2008 Paperback ISBN: 978-0-8447-4259-5 Price: $ 25.00 Add to Cart   Examination Copies

Religious belief is thriving in America today, even though it seems under assault as seldom before--attacked by secularists, scientists, and increasingly vocal atheists; constrained by judges and civil libertarians; mocked by contemporary artists; and treated pragmatically, if not cynically, by politicians seeking votes. This book explores the enduring strength of religion in American life. Faith and religious observance are not obsolete or incompatible with modern society; on the contrary, the religious principles that guided the Founders continue to bind the nation and justify human endeavor.

In Religion and the American Future, a distinguished group of scholars examine the future of religion in America. Michael Novak, John C. Green, Leon R. Kass, Douglas W. Kmiec, Roger Kimball, and Marcello Pera contemplate in turn the relationship of religion to the dominant secular realms of politics, science, law, and art. They argue that the religious and the secular realms should construct a mutual and productive understanding; that faith-based voting is not the threat it often seems; that science cannot answer humanity's deepest moral inquiries; and that the United States Constitution presupposes the existence of God. The volume concludes with an instructive look at Europe and the troubling implications of turning away from religious belief altogether.

Religion and the American Future is a lively, learned dialogue on the role of religion in American society. The contributors raise their voices in opposition to the tide of cynicism and constraint that often overwhelms religion in public life and argue that tolerance, respect, and free expression must define the future of religion in America.  

Christopher DeMuth is president of the American Enterprise Institute.

Yuval Levin is director of the program on Bioethics and American Democracy at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

Contributors: Stephen M. Barr, Peter Berkowitz, Joseph Bottum, David Gelernter, John C. Green, Michael Greve, Lee Harris, Kevin J. "Seamus" Hasson, Leon R. Kass, Roger Kimball, Douglas W. Kmiec, Irving Kristol, Charles Murray, Michael Novak, Marcello Pera, Robert Royal, and Roger Scruton.