Godless Citizens in a Godly Republic

“A thorough and useful history of the legal and political status of atheists in America.” – Casey Cep - The New Yorker“This compact and thorough work is a perfect introduction to atheism in America.” – Booklist“An impassioned review of the demands of a little-considered minority.” – Kirkus Reviews“This accessible and sincere book usefully makes explicit often-unspoken currents in American political life.” – Publishers Weekly“This work provides important historical insights into a contentious contemporary issue. Highly recommended for readers interested in history, law, and political science, as well as those seeking positive approaches to expanding religious liberty.” – Library Journal“An illuminating read on an increasingly important aspect of American history and politics. With more Americans eschewing religion, such a book is both timely and warranted.” – Phil Zuckerman, author of Living the Secular Life“Godless Citizens in a Godly Republic provides exactly what we need more of from historians but so rarely get: accessible, well-written prose combined with scholarly discipline in the service of a contemporary issue badly in need of light rather than heat.” – Eric Alterman, author of Inequality and One City“R. Laurence Moore and Isaac Kramnick trace the often-shocking history of atheism in America. In a nation dedicated to the separation of church and state, we have seen furious battles over compulsory school prayer, discrimination against nonbelievers, and continuing efforts to declare this to be ‘a Christian nation.’ Moore and Kramnick bring to life a continuing struggle to make this nation what the Founders intended it to be.” – Geoffrey R. Stone, author of Sex and the Constitution“As American demographics trend increasingly secular, religious conservatives are trying harder than ever to define the nation’s law and politics in their terms. Meanwhile, seeing secularism under attack, nonbelievers are standing up and speaking out as never before. Godless Citizens in a Godly Republic provides unique and valuable insight into these culture wars.” – David Niose, author of Nonbeliever Nation: The Rise of Secular Americans

Isaac Kramnick is professor emeritus of government at Cornell University. R. Laurence Moore is professor emeritus of history and American studies at Cornell University.