In a thoroughly revised and expanded edition that now includes France, this essential text offers a rigorous, systematic comparison of church-state relations in six Western nations: the United States, France, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia. As successful and stable political democracies, these countries share a commitment to protecting the religious rights of their citizens. The book demonstrates, however, that each has taken substantially different approaches to resolving basic church-state questions. The authors examine both the historical roots of those differences and more recent conflicts over Islam and other religious minorities, explain how contemporary church-state issues are addressed, and provide a framework for assessing the success of each of the six states in protecting the religious rights of its citizens using a framework based on the ideal of governmental neutrality and evenhandedness toward people of all faiths and of none. Responding to the general confusion about the relationship between church and state in the West, this book offers a much-needed comparative analysis of a topic that is increasingly a source of political conflict. The authors argue that the US conception of church-state separation, with its emphasis on avoiding government establishment of religion, is unique among political democracies and discriminates against religious groups by denying religious organizations access to government services provided to other organizations. The authors persuasively conclude that the United States can learn a great deal from other Western nations in promoting religious neutrality and the free exercise of religion.

About the Author

J. Christopher Soper is Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Pepperdine University.
Kevin R. den Dulk is Paul B. Henry Chair of Political Science and director of the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College. Stephen V. Monsma (1936–2017) was senior fellow at the Henry Institute at Calvin College.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Slingshot, LP
1500 S Western Ave, Marion, IN, 46953, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All books are guaranteed to be in the stated condition. We
will refund the full
price of the book if it is not received within 15 days of the
estimated delivery
date. All customer support e-mails will be answered within
two business days.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship the next business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 21 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.25	US$ 5.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.