{"product_id":"was-america-founded-as-a-christian-nation-revised-edition-a-historical-introduction-9780664262495","title":"Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? Revised Edition: A Historical Introduction","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWas America Founded as a Christian Nation? Revised Edition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis thoroughly researched historical primer by John Fea examines one of America's most contentious debates: whether the United States was founded as a Christian nation or a secular state. Rather than relying on emotional rhetoric, Fea approaches this question through documented historical evidence, helping readers understand the recorded facts of America's founding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's New in the Revised Edition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis updated edition addresses contemporary issues that have emerged in recent years concerning religion's place in American society. Fea examines the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage, contraception debates related to the Affordable Care Act, and state-level restrictions on abortion. Each development is analyzed through the lens of national religious identity, demonstrating how current events connect to fundamental questions about America's founding principles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Balanced Historical Perspective\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Fea offers an evenhanded examination that avoids the polarizing arguments common in media discussions. As he notes in his preface, \"We live in a sound-bite culture that makes it difficult to have any sustained dialogue on these historical issues. It is easy for those who argue that America is a Christian nation (and those who do not) to appear on radio or television programs, quote from one of the founders or one of the nation's founding documents, and sway people to their positions.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book moves beyond contentious sound bites to unravel the complicated historical puzzle of Christianity's relationship with America's founding. Fea draws on primary sources and founding documents to provide readers with the context needed to form informed conclusions about this complex topic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJohn Fea\u003c\/b\u003e is Professor of American History and Chair of the History Department at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is a leading interpreter of American religious history and identity and has written for such media outlets as the \u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSojourners\u003c\/i\u003e, Patheos.com, RealClearPolitics.com, and more. He blogs at www.TheWayofImprovement.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIdeal for Students and General Readers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis historical introduction serves as an accessible resource for college students, church groups, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of religion and American political history. The book's academic rigor is balanced with clear writing that makes complex constitutional and religious history understandable for general audiences.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Westminster John Knox Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50680664949010,"sku":"9780664262495","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_3e9a49d2-99e3-47fe-82f0-270cdf6330b1.jpg?v=1734923899","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/was-america-founded-as-a-christian-nation-revised-edition-a-historical-introduction-9780664262495","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}