Church and State in America The First Two Centuries [Paperback]

Hutson examines ideas and public policies relating to the relationship between government and religion from 1607 to 1837.This is an account of the ideas about and public policies relating to the relationship between government and religion from the settlement of Virginia in 1607 to the presidency of Andrew Jackson, 1829-1837. Hutson examines the four principles of government's approach to religion and the relevance of the concept of the separation of church and state during that period.This is an account of the ideas about and public policies relating to the relationship between government and religion from the settlement of Virginia in 1607 to the presidency of Andrew Jackson, 1829-1837. Hutson examines the four principles of government's approach to religion and the relevance of the concept of the separation of church and state during that period.This book describes American ideas about and policies toward the relationship between government and religion from the founding of Virginia in 1607 to the presidency of Andrew Jackson, 1829-1837. Four principles were paramount during this period: the importance of religion to the public welfare; the resulting obligation of government to support religion; liberty of conscience and voluntaryism; the requirement that churches be supported by free will gifts, not taxation. The relevance of the concept of the separation of church and state during this period is examined in detail.1. The seventeenth century; 2. To the American Revolution; 3. The Confederation period; 4. The Constitution and beyond.This slender volume offers a brilliant survey of the events, ideas, and personalities that shaped America's distinctive approach to church-state relations. With uncommon clarity, keen insights, and illuminating anecdotes, James H. Hutson recounts the complicated, but inspiring story of the development of religious liberty in North America. Few stories in history are more important and more deserving of our attention. -Daniel L. Dl£~