FOUNDING FAITH Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America

Were our Founding Fathers men of faith? What would they have thought about today's battles over religious freedom? In an attempt to answer these questions, Waldman, cofounder and editor of Beliefnet, looks back at religious regulation and persecution in early American settlements and the beliefs of leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison. David Colacci keeps his reading lively throughout Waldman's analysis of the arguments and decisions that shaped the nation's policies toward religion. Although this work is mostly focused on history, Waldman's optimistic view of our religious freedoms is present throughout, as are his criticisms of both sides of the culture wars. His portraits of the men who made our nation and their faith are fascinating listening. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2008]