Table of Contents

1. Introduction: of liberty, laws, religion, and regulation; 2. The political origins of religious liberty; 3. Colonial British America; 4. Mexico and Latin America; 5. The Eastern Bloc and the Baltics (with Cheryl Zilinskas); 6. We gather together: the consequences of religious liberty.

Promotional Information

This book argues that political leaders are likely to permit religious freedoms if they enhance power or economic well-being.

About the Author

Anthony Gill is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Washington, where he specializes in the study of religion, economics, and politics. He is the author of Rendering Unto Caesar: The Catholic Church and the State in Latin America, as well as numerous articles on religion and politics. Professor Gill was awarded the University of Washington's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1999 and is also a nonresident scholar at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion.

Reviews

"Using engaging historical accounts and compelling theoretical arguments, Anthony Gill reveals that religious liberty is neither a mishap of history nor the inevitable consequence of secular states. Instead, he uncovers the motives and self-interests of politicians, religionists, and many others supporting religious freedoms around the globe and over time. A must read for anyone interested in the origins of civil liberties." Roger Finke, Penn State University "Anthony Gill has done us all an enormous service in this beautifully written and intricately theorized book. Building on past research which identifies religious regulation as the key to understanding secularization, Gill takes a giant step forward to tell us why and how religious regulation occurs. He turns popular conceptions about the nature of religious liberty on their head to reveal the fascinating political mechanisms which determine church-state relationships. This monumental contribution to our understanding of the politics of religion absolutely invigorates current thinking on the topic and opens up multiple paths to future research discoveries. I am already pondering which of Gill's many insights I could rob." Paul Froese, Baylor University "The most important book ever written on religious liberty is also a delight to read." Rodney Stark, Baylor University