Welcome to Piety & Politics
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn’s book, Piety & Politics: The Right-Wing Assault on Religious Freedom, is now available in paperback. Featuring a new Afterword by the author, Piety & Politics is a no-holds-barred explanation of why the Religious Right’s dream for America is a nightmare. Lynn deplores Religious Right attempts to demolish the wall between church and state. A strong defense of secular government, Piety & Politics argues that true religion doesn’t need the government’s assistance, and in a nation of many faiths, it’s impractical and inappropriate to foster specific doctrines in the government or teach them in public schools.
Additional Resources
About Barry W. Lynn
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn has served since 1992 as executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to the preservation of the Constitution's religious liberty provisions. In addition to his work as a long-time activist and lawyer in the civil liberties field, Lynn is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, offering him a unique perspective on church-state issues.
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Reviews
Publishers Weekly
“… Lynn has a significant stake in the battle for religious freedom, arguing that church-state separation has fostered ‘religious diversity and vitality’ — fundamentalism included.… Religious freedom, Lynn asserts, means the ‘right to worship or not worship as you see fit,’ not a government obligation to boost religion.… In this political season, Lynn offers a sound alternative for Democratic leaders, who have sought to bridge perceived “values deficits” with religion instead of what the party ostensibly stands for: ‘a commitment to civil rights, civil liberties and economic justice.’”
Booklist Review
Vanessa Bush
“An ordained minister now heading an organization aimed at protecting the separation between church and state, Lynn brings passion and a broad perspective to the national debate swirling around this issue.… Lynn examines school prayer, gay rights, the teaching of intelligent design, and faith-based initiatives as leading issues in the current turmoil between concerns about American morality and secular government.… Whatever readers’ religious or political beliefs, they will appreciate Lynn’s well-considered examination of this contentious issue.”
Kirkus Reviews
Starred Review
“The author calmly demonstrates the twisted logic and outright hypocrisy of the right…. While his opponents in the ‘culture war’ relentlessly fan the passions of their followers, offering the faithful a self-image of persecution and martyrdom, Lynn maintains a reasonable demeanor, largely foregoing cheap shots and one-liners.… Essential reading.”
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Religion & Politics News
Separation, Please
November 28, 2006
The Reverend Barry Lynn is executive director of the watchdog organization Americans United for Church and State. He is interviewed by Ron A. Lindsay, Legal Director of the Center for Inquiry / Office of Public Policy in Washington Music Portal, D.C. — EDS. Free Inquiry: In your book Piety and Politics: The Right-Wing Assault on Religious [...] Read More »
Conservatives Sifting Through the Ashes of Last Tuesday’s Overwhelming Electoral Defeat
November 14, 2006
In an election-eve communication, the Reverend Donald Wildmon, the founder and chairman of the American Family Association, sent an email to his supporters urging them to get out and vote “for the sake of our children and grandchildren.” The email continued, “It is not merely control of Congress that will be decided … but also [...] Read More »
Religious right’s agenda endangers liberty, author says
November 14, 2006
Religious conservatives’ interjection of their view of Bible-based values into American civic and political life is leading to an erosion of constitutional protections for everyone, according to Barry Lynn, executive director of theWashington-based Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Lynn is being criticized by some conservative Christian leaders for trying to “bully” churches [...] Read More »
This Is America
October 23, 2006
Host Dennis Wholey talks with Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State as well as author of the new book “Piety and Politics”. Listen Online »
Countdown: ‘Tempting Faith’ Analysis
October 12, 2006
Rev. Barry Lyn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, talks to “Countdown” host Keith Olbermann about the allegations in “Tempting Faith.” Watch the Video »