The Liberty Threat: The Attack on Religious Freedom in America Today

by James Tonkowich

Overview

What happened to liberty and justice for all? Americans are losing what are supposed to be constitutionally promised rights at an alarming pace. The Founding Fathers understood the overriding essentiality of religious practice unimpeded by governmental authority, but time and vast cultural change has eroded this from the consciences of modern politicians. The struggle for the right to worship freely has been present since the time of the Roman Empire. By looking at how the Ancient Christian world relates to the failures of our own Supreme Court, it is possible to see what has led to so much government interference in personal religious beliefs in the name of "equality." As we watch America teeter ever closer to the brink of moral collapse and prejudice against religion becomes even more institutionalized, one question always surfaces: How can we stop this? In The Liberty Threat James Tonkowich explores the history of Christian philosophy from the Church's infancy through the birth of America and how it influenced religious liberty. With powerful examples fresh from today's courts, Tonkowich illustrates just how the rigid separation of Church and state has created a world that is hostile to true faith. The Liberty Threat is both a chilling wake-up and a clear call to action for Christians everywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781618906427
Publisher:	St. Benedict Press LLC
Publication date:	07/01/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	125
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Dr. James Tonkowich is a freelance writer, speaker, and commentator on religion and public life. A weekly columnist at ChristianHeadlines.com, he has contributed to a wide variety of opinion sites and publications. He also serves as Special Advisor to the President for Strategic Initiatives at Wyoming Catholic College.

Table of Contents

Prologue vii

Chapter 1 The Ancient Christian Roots of Modern Religious Liberty 1

Chapter 2 Sweet Land of Liberty: From the Pilgrims to the Constitution 17

Chapter 3 We Hold These Truths 35

Chapter 4 Storm Clouds Gathering 55

Chapter 5 Reasserting Our Religious Liberty 85

Editorial Reviews

"The threat to our consciences today is so severe that citizens of all social, political, and educational levels wll need to get into the fight. The number of Christians being beaten, raped, and killed each year is the highest in history. On a far lower scale, even here in the United States, the climate is becoming more hostile to Christians than ever before... For those who want a readable account of the turbulent history of religious liberty both in its high and its low moments, and not written as a college textbook, this book will be very satisfying. And it might even help many students looking for a way to grasp some basics quickly."
     —Amb. Michael Novak, retired George Frederick Jewett Scholar in Religion, Philosophy, and Public Policy from  the American Enterprise Institute, visiting professor at Ave Maria University


"A targeted practical study of religious liberty informed by Christian hope with helpful resources, excellent for parish groups and adult education."
     —Mary Ellen Bork, Free-lance writer and lecturer on issues affecting Catholic life and culture


"Of all our freedoms, religious freedom is the most precious—and in our day, the most endangered. The Liberty Threat awakens the reader to the dangers, explains how we got here, and most importantly, suggests what we must do to preserve and strengthen religious liberty in America."
     —Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington


"In an era that will be defined by repeated assaults on religious liberty, this is a must-read for Americans of faith—and for any American who believes in real liberty. WIth his engaging, fast-moving style, Jim Tonkowich serves as a most capable guide to the history of religious liberty, covering all the key events and issues, from Nero's violent persecution of Christians to Barack Obama's bloodless but equally insidious policies. Are you worried about the present and future attacks on religion and liberty? Read this—and then don't forget to follow the proposed solutions."
     —Dr. Kevin Roberts, President of Wyoming Catholic College


"This little book will take its place as one of the best surveys of religious liberty American style—what it is, where it came from, and why it is in crisis—on the market today. Written in the rich, punchy style of Kevin Hasson'sThe Right to be Wrong, James Tonkowich'sThe Liberty Threat surveys the historical and contemporary evidence in a masterful fashion. From the early Church Fathers to the American founding and beyond, Tonkowich writes with authority and verve. Read this book. Wherever you stand on the greatest issue of our day—the meaning and value of religious freedom—you won't be disappointed."
     —Thomas Farr, Director of the Religious Freedom Project, Georgetown University

From the Publisher