The Myth of Christian America: What You Need to Know about the Separation of Church and State

Whitten outlines what Christians need to know about proper relations between religion, Christian or otherwise, and government. Far from being a "myth" or a "lie," church-state separation is a constitutional principle and philosophy enshrined within the First Amendment.

Written in an accessible, popular style, The Myth of Christian America provides sound scholarship in defense of the exposition of constitutional church-state separation.

Whitten argues against the popular but ill-founded thesis that America was constitutionally and institutionally founded to be a "Christian nation." He argues for a robust yet properly advanced constitutional separation of church and state and for full religious liberty for all.

Mark Weldon Whitten is a professor of philosophy and religion at Tomball College, Tomball, Texas, and president of the Greater Houston Area Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

"This book makes very accessible needed material and penetrating insights about one of the pressing issues in our nation and in our churches-the separation of church and state. The book comes from the sharp mind of Mark Whitten. His discussions of the various issues in the church-state debate are founded solidly in history, philosophy, and theology. He has the place of the church at heart, and those who want to advocate a healthy relationship between church and state should read, study, and discuss this book." - Joe Blair, Chair, Department of Christianity & Philosophy, Houston Baptist University

"This book can be dangerous; its carefully researched and reasonably debated conclusions may force serious thinking that plays havoc with long held opinions. Veering neither to the right nor to the left, Mark Weldon Whitten boldly engages controversy-detonating popular, though lethal, myths; embracing points of view often considered contradictory; and constructing a thought-full foundation for religious liberty that is good for the integrity of religion (all religions), beneficial to the health of government, and crucial to preserving the constitutional provision of freedom for people's practice of both faith and politics." - C. Welton Gaddy, Executive Direct of the Interfaith Alliance and The Interfaith Alliance Foundation

"I am happy to recommend this interesting, readable book on the separation of church and state. Dr. Whitten writes authoritatively about his important subject, and he communicates his vision with clarity. He shows that the separation of church and state is a legacy for all Americans rather than an eccentric view of an extremist fringe." -Fisher Humphreys, Samford University, Beeson Divinity School

"Writing as a committed Christian, Whitten tells us why he does not want a 'Christian America.' He also tells us, however, why he does not want an America stripped of religious values. This book should bring American citizens to their feet with cheers, and it should not matter whether those citizens are Christian or non-Christian, religious or non-religious."-Walter B. Shurden, Chair, Department of Christianity, Callaway Professor of Christianity, Mercer University, Macon, GA

"In this important book Mark Whitten may have a solution to one of the most heated issues in American public life today, that is, what kind of church-state separation will preserve the free exercise of religion? He says it with both wisdom and passion." -E. Glenn Hinson, Baptist Theological Seminary

"Mark Whitten has written an insightful book. He challenges many of the shibboleths and much of the misinformation in our 'culture wars' and our church-state battles. To today's often-volatile climate of religious liberty debates, he contributes a sensible and balanced treatment of the issues. This book of essays will be a useful guide for personal reflection as well as small group study. I gladly recommend it."-Dr. William L. Turner, South Main Baptist Church, Houston, TX

"That Thomas Jefferson's Wall of Separation is not a total explanation of the First Amendment is shown in numerous on-going court cases, the attempts t establish a "Christian America," and the books and articles which attempt to describe what, at times, seems more of a wet noodle than a rigid and impenetrable wall. Mark Whitten helps us get our bearings by not only pointing out the dangers of the agenda of the religious right but also the error of an interpretation which excises religion from American civil life. Well documented from original sources, the author explodes myths surrounding the "religious" formation of the Constitution and gives us firm ground on which to stand as we face the never ending struggle to find faithful and tangible expressions of this country's separation of church and state."- Robert H. Tucker, First Congregational Church, Houston, TX

"Whitten stands in the Baptist tradition of Isaac Backus, John Leland, George W. Truett, Rufus W. Weaver, and Joseph M. Dawson. He exposes the deficiencies of both "Christian America" revisionism and of secular humanism in interpreting the religion clauses of the U.S. Constitution. He seeks to correct both David Barton and Robert Bork on the one hand and Leo Pfeffer and Thomas Flynn on the other and calls for a renewal of public debate with respect and restraint. Whitten implies but does not state that if Christians wish American Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists to become Christians, they must employ the evangelization of word and deed, not the politics of religious disenfranchisement."

-James Leo Garrett Jr., Distinguished Professor of Theology, Emeritus, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary