A Nation Under God?

The ACLU and Religion in American Politics

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Constitutional, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book A Nation Under God? by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm ISBN: 9781461609940
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Publication: September 8, 2005
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Language: English
Author: Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
ISBN: 9781461609940
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication: September 8, 2005
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English

A Nation Under God? raises the question of why the ACLU relentlessly attacks public expressions of mainstream religious faith. The answer, according to the book's argument, is that the work of the ACLU is informed by a larger political project-modern liberalism-to transform American government and society into an administrative-welfare state. Modern liberalism requires two decisive changes in American politics if it is to be successful: First, the government of limited powers mandated by the Constitution must become a government of unlimited powers and scope. Second, free, self-reliant, and independent citizens must become dependent on and understand themselves as subservient to government. The ACLU's drive to remove religion and morality from the public square advances both goals.

Limited, constitutional government rests on the idea that rights come from God; the power of government should be limited commensurate to the limited purpose of legitimate government: to protect our natural, God-given rights. With God removed from the public square, it becomes much easier politically to argue that government is the source of rights, and that every expansion of government power is tantamount to an expansion of rights.

Further, self-reliant citizens are not in need of and are unlikely to support large government welfare programs. But self-reliancy is largely a function of self-control and moral responsibility. Immoral and irresponsible citizens are incapable of providing for themselves and their families. Driving God and morality out of the public square serves to break down public morality, which in turn creates classes of citizens who are dependent on government assistance and regulation.

Through endless litigation against public expressions of religion and morality and its distorted interpretations of the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses, the ACLU reveals its real agenda and its real allegiance, which is not to the Constitution or Bill of Rights, but to a radical liberal ideology that seeks

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A Nation Under God? raises the question of why the ACLU relentlessly attacks public expressions of mainstream religious faith. The answer, according to the book's argument, is that the work of the ACLU is informed by a larger political project-modern liberalism-to transform American government and society into an administrative-welfare state. Modern liberalism requires two decisive changes in American politics if it is to be successful: First, the government of limited powers mandated by the Constitution must become a government of unlimited powers and scope. Second, free, self-reliant, and independent citizens must become dependent on and understand themselves as subservient to government. The ACLU's drive to remove religion and morality from the public square advances both goals.

Limited, constitutional government rests on the idea that rights come from God; the power of government should be limited commensurate to the limited purpose of legitimate government: to protect our natural, God-given rights. With God removed from the public square, it becomes much easier politically to argue that government is the source of rights, and that every expansion of government power is tantamount to an expansion of rights.

Further, self-reliant citizens are not in need of and are unlikely to support large government welfare programs. But self-reliancy is largely a function of self-control and moral responsibility. Immoral and irresponsible citizens are incapable of providing for themselves and their families. Driving God and morality out of the public square serves to break down public morality, which in turn creates classes of citizens who are dependent on government assistance and regulation.

Through endless litigation against public expressions of religion and morality and its distorted interpretations of the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses, the ACLU reveals its real agenda and its real allegiance, which is not to the Constitution or Bill of Rights, but to a radical liberal ideology that seeks

More books from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cover of the book India-Pakistan Nuclear Diplomacy by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Intelligence and Information Policy for National Security by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book More Than Numbers by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Becoming a True Champion by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book The Leader Within by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Online Teaching and Learning by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Upper Elementary Math Lessons by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Journeys into Darkness by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book We Are Coming, Unafraid by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Sex Pistols by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Music Theory Secrets by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book The Pianist's Craft 2 by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Geography as Inquiry by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Worship Frames by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
Cover of the book Adapting Science Fiction to Television by Thomas L. Krannawitter, Daniel C. Palm
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy