Religious Free Exercise and Contemporary American Politics : The Saga of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000

Religious Free Exercise and Contemporary American Politics explains why the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) had to undergo a major metamorphosis in order to win approval. The book uses this episode as a window onto the dynamics of modern constitutional politics, specifically the constitutional politics of free exercise. The book argues that, although free exercise of religion remains an important value in American politics, it has been severely buffeted by both liberal individualism and identity politics. The former equates religious "choice" with all other types Religious Free Exercise and Contemporary American Politics explains why the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) had to undergo a major metamorphosis in order to win approval. Written in an accessible manner for students of politics and religion as well as constitutional politics and law, the book uses this episode as a window on to the dynamics of modern constitutional politics, specifically the constitutional politics of free exercise, providing a unique perspective on religious freedom in American politics. --Book Jacket

Religious Free Exercise and Contemporary American Politics explains why the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) had to undergo a major metamorphosis in order to win approval. Written in an accessible manner for students of politics and religion as well as constitutional politics and law, the book uses this episode as a window on to the dynamics of modern constitutional politics, specifically the constitutional politics of free exercise, providing a unique perspective on religious freedom in American politics.

Dilemmas of free exercise in contemporary America Free exercise jurisprudence through 1997: Reynolds to Boerne The fine tuned politics of developing a response Building a record to meet the demands of section 5 The initial opposition to RLPA From RLPA to RLUIPA: civil rights versus religious liberty takes center stage Aftermath Conclusion. Explains why the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) had to undergo a major metamorphosis in order to win approval. This book uses this episode as a window onto the dynamics of modern constitutional politics, specifically the constitutional politics of free exercise.

Using a key religious freedom Act, the book analyzes legislative process, Supreme Court jurisprudence, and discusses the role of religion in public life.