(Reviewed by JD Jung)
For years Americans have taken for granted the most cherished and essential constitutional principles, one being the separation of Church and State. Historian and ordained minister Randall Balmer presents a timely, thoughtful, and deeply researched examination of this issue from the 17th century to current day in his book, America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State.
Balmer explores the impetus for religious disestablishment. Roger Williams advocated it because he did not want the state to meddle in church affairs, whereas a century later Thomas Jefferson did not want religion to interfere with the state. Though In the late eighteenth century certain religions were dominate in different states, the principle of disestablishment won. An interesting fact that Balmer notes is that Patrick Henry fought to establish Christianity as the official religion of Virginia, but James Adams successfully fought to defeat it.
The book also provides an eye-opening overview of legislation and court rulings that have upheld this separation. For example, the 1954 Johnson Amendment states religious leaders cannot make political endorsements from the pulpit without jeopardizing their tax exemption status.
Unfortunately, many Christian leaders of the far-right now want to repeal this bill, as well as allow taxpayer finding for religious schools, and school prayer in public schools. That said, Balmer also examines the appeal of today’s Christian Nationalism.
There is a lot here, more than I can mention. I found fascinating his historical account of the relationship that certain religions and sects had with the government. Balmer writes this detailed history in such a concise and engaging manner that I couldn’t put this book down.
America’s Best Idea is more than a history book; it’s a wake-up call. If Americans wish to preserve the freedoms it guarantees, they must be active participants in its defense. This is essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of religious and secular freedom — and American democracy itself.