Absent Lord: Ascetics and Kings in a Jain Ritual Culture Book

This is an excellent history of religion in America. At the time the Constitution was written, the concept of a religion-less state was nowhere in sight. Instead, the founders assumed that good moral standing would be moderated by the states, and forbid the interference of the federal government.

Now, we have forged a new compromise, in which all levels of government must be religion-neutral. However, this is a very difficult task; at its root, it is a subjective standard. What, exactly, encourages or helps religion? What inhibits it?

A great read by an accomplished law professor, this book was the backbone of a final paper on the First Amendment. It was by far the most fascinating topic I've written on in a long time, and I hope to read more on the topic.