Includes bibliographical references and index.

This collection of brief quotations from a variety of historical and contemporary figures centers on themes related to religious liberty, freedom of conscience, and separation of church and state. The quotations are compiled in 30 subject areas, ranging from lofty principles such as civil liberty, pluralism, and tolerance to such immediate political disputes as abortion, charitable choice, and school prayer. Excerpts from early church fathers, Enlightenment philosophers, and contemporary religious and political leaders are included. Although most of the quotations strongly advocate religious liberty and church-state separation, there are also important selections offering sharply different perspectives. In addition, the book includes special sections devoted to major judicial pronouncements on these issues, important documents from James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, and recent public declarations on religious liberty and the place of religion in public schools. The quotations are offered without comment or context, but they are a quite valuable resource for public discussion of many of the basic principles of religious liberty. Recommended for general readers, lower-division undergraduates, and professionals.

Introduction -- The Great Quotations on Religious Freedom -- Abortion Rights -- Blue Laws -- Chaplains -- Charitable Choice -- Christian Nation -- Christmas Symbols on Public Property -- Civil Liberty -- Civil Religion Constitutions Creationism -- Ecclesiastical Power -- Equal Access Act of 1984 -- Freedom of Conscience -- Law and Religion -- Parochiaid (Government Aid to Sectarian Schools) Pluralism -- Religion and Politics -- Religion in Public Education -- Religious Freedom -- Religious Neutrality -- Religious Persecution -- Religious Tests for Public Office -- School Prayer -- Secular State -- Separation of Church and State -- Taxation and Religion -- Tolerance -- Toleration -- Vatican Ambassador and Holy See at the United Nations -- Voluntary Principle in Religion -- Appendix 1. Judicial Quotes -- Appendix 2. James Madison: A Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments -- Appendix 3. Thomas Jefferson: Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom -- Appendix 4. Opponents of Religious Liberty -- Appendix 5. A Shared Vision--Religious Liberty in the 21st Century -- Appendix 6. Religion in the Public Schools--A Joint Statement of Current Law.