Mary Segers is professor of political science at Rutgers University. Ted G. Jelen is chair of the political
science department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Clarke E. Cochran is professor of political science
at Texas Tech University.
Review
"This is a fascinating book dealing with one of the most important controversies in contemporary American
politics. . . . I admire the way in which both authors advance their perspectives. . . . It promises to stimulate
lively debate in a wide variety of classes."
--James M. Penning, Calvin College
"Jelen, Segers and Cochrane provide cogent arguments about the appropriate role of religion in American
public life. "A Wall of Separation?" is a bridge to understanding."
--John Green, University of Akron
Submitted by Publisher, January, 2002
Summary
Should the wall of separation between church and state be permeable or inviolable? This question has been hotly
contested since the nation's founding and contentious debates persist today. With a collection of the most significant
documents and an introduction by Clarke E. Cochran that provides the historical context of the debate, prominent
scholars Mary Segers and Ted Jelen debate the impact of organized religion on the democratic process, examine its
influence on political discourse, and discuss its significance for the creation of public policy. The authors illuminate
the constitutional implications of using religion to cultivate public morality and discuss the complexities of
creating a civic-minded citizenry in a pluralistic society.
