Today, many Americans tend to take one of two sides regarding freedom of religion: that America has been, and always will be Christian, or that America never was and never will be Christian. Both are missing the point.
As author Tom Mammoser posits in his new book, The Evangelical Roots of Democracy, the United States was founded on the principle of freedom of religion out of respect for religion, which at the time largely meant out of respect for Christianity. The original idea was not to keep church and state separate because religion would harm politics, but rather to ensure that politics didn't encroach on the freedom of conscience.
The Evangelical Roots of Democracy takes you on a philosophical journey with key historical thinkers who, over the years, have affected the culture of the United States. Learn not only from our founding fathers, but also from those who influenced them-philosophers such as Augustine and Kant-as well as later important figures, like Martin Luther King, Jr.
Discover what George Washington already knew: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."
About the Author: Thomas Mammoser holds a BA in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and pursued his graduate studies in philosophy at both Loyola University and the University of Chicago. For his career, Mammoser served for many years as Walgreens' director of corporate communications, specializing in public and media relations, executive speech writing, and internal and external communications. Under his guidance, his staff's publications won many regional and national awards of excellence.
Mammoser also developed the acclaimed One-on-One mentoring program that pairs young professional adult mentors with Chicago's inner-city youth. He now serves as the vice president of the Midtown Educational Foundation, which has offered the program since 1989.
Over the years, Mammoser has also taught courses at the University of Santa Croce in Rome on communications, culture, and the church. He is currently writing on various subjects related to the Christianization of modern culture.
