Charting a secular path for church and state, the book argues for a clear line between religion and government.
It surveys two competing visions of authority—democratic governance grounded in popular consent versus theocratic rule—and makes the case for a free, religiously neutral state. The work also examines how public schools should educate without sectarian control, drawing on historical models of American education and the role of Bible reading in schools.
Written by E. P. Hurlbut, a former judge who argues that religion belongs in the conscience, not in the machinery of government, this book presents a practical defense of civil and religious liberty. It discusses proposed constitutional amendments, the foundations of democracy, and the responsibilities of a state to educate its citizens while guarding against foreign or sectarian influence. The text blends legal argument, historical precedent, and contemporary concerns about religious instruction in public schools.
- Juxtaposes theocracy and democracy, explaining how each views the state, church, and individual rights.
- Tracks the history and rationale of public education and the use of the Bible in schools.
- Addresses concerns about foreign influence, church establishment, and sectarian teachings.
- Offers a framework for balancing religious liberty with democratic governance.
Ideal for readers interested in law, civics, religious liberty, and the history of American public education.