
Church and State
by Geoffrey C. Harrison and Thomas F. Scott
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jan 31 2014 | Archive Date Feb 28 2017
Description
Also available in hardcover and ebook.
Among the basic principles upon which America is based is the freedom of each person to worship as he or she pleases. That has made the United States a magnet for religious refugees for more than two centuries. However, it has done little to eliminate conflict and controversy over religious differences. "Church and State" examines the influence of religion on government—and government on religion—stopping at key moments along the way to examine the great debates in a nation founded on the idea of keeping them apart. Young readers will discover that the arguments taking place today are amazingly similar to the ones that have fanned the flames of passion for generations. "Church and State" engages young readers and provides them with the context and history needed to join the debate on these issues...and ultimately issues the challenge to Find Your Voice. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history.Advance Praise
"This series asks readers to consider contemporary and historical debates in America, from immigration to the use of firearms to the relationship between church and state. The authors craft both sides of their arguments with care. Chapters are introduced as questions, such as "Is the freedom of others worth fighting for?" The "Affirmative" and "Negative" sides of the debate are presented in boxes at the bottom of the page. Questions set apart in bold font throughout the texts encourage critical thinking…"
School Library Journal
"This series explores several major social and political controversies. Each book begins with a historical introduction and proceeds chronologically to show how issues change over time but remain political hot points. Some chapters are titled with questions to encourage readers to think and formulate opinions. Spreads in each chapter summarize major opposing arguments for and against the chapter’s question. Sidebars and a concluding chapter offer quotes from social and political leaders. Each book also includes “Find Your Voice” which encourages readers to examine the given evidence and take a side in the debate. These well-rounded, unbiased discussions encourage readers to question and reason, formulate and defend their positions, and anticipate counterarguments. The series plants important seeds for developing a new generation of educated voters and activists and will be a welcome addition for libraries and social science classrooms striving to integrate Common Core Standards. Glossary. [Editor’s Note: A teacher’s guide is available on the publisher’s website.]"
Recommended
Available Editions
EDITION | Paperback |
ISBN | 9781603576031 |
PRICE | $9.95 (USD) |
Featured Reviews

This short (48 pages) book was written for a young audience, perhaps a high school student. It explores the relationship of "church and state" in the American governmental system, in a "debate" style format. The book is broken down into different chapters, each asking a question regarding the role of religion (or non-role) in American government. One example is: should there be limits to religious freedom in our society? Another is: should the government have power over religion? The authors do a good job of setting up the debate, starting with the beginnings of our country, and into what the founding members said or didn't say in developing the constitution. Each question is dealt with fairly and with balance, presenting both sides of the question. The only thing that I did not like in the book was the use of confusing graphics throughout. Perhaps, because this was an ebook, the graphics would be more useful in an actual printed book.
This book could be an important tool in our children's educational growth, especially today, with the current furor around immigration and religion. I would hope that parents would allow it to be used in the classroom, because it does provide an informed and thoughtful approach. Sadly, with the country so divided currently, I'm afraid that it would be shouted down by parents with their own agendas to push.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.