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Originally scheduled for a later start, the meeting will
actually begin, as usual, at 4 p.m. because the author has offered to join us by phone during our gathering.
Meyerson’s book introduces readers to “the explicitly
biblical imagery proposed in the first sketches for the Great Seal,” and “the
prehistory of reflection and relationships in the colonies that set the context
for religious freedom,” says Catholic News Service reviewer Brother Jeffrey
Gros, FSC.
It also details the debates “that made (religious)
toleration possible,” as well as those
“that went into the framing of the Constitution, and why religion is given such
a minor treatment.” It proceeds through “the reception of the religious freedom
in the first few decades of the new republic,” and beyond.
Meyerson says, “The biggest questions readers should look
for, in my opinion, are essentially:
“1) What was the balance the Framers tried to reach in the
realm of government and religion?
“2) What were the values, fears, and hopes behind those values?
“3) Has the nation, or our collective experiences, changed so that we should alter the Framers’ understanding?”
With these hints in mind, we'll consider our religious liberty during for the 2013 Fortnight for Freedom (June 21-July 4).
Check out more about the Fortnight for Freedom at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' website.
Questions about the club? Email Sharon Boehlefeld, Features Editor
P.S. Because we effectively finished "What Happened at Vatican II" at our last meeting, we've made some changes to the schedule for the rest of the year. We'll be less like a study group and more like a traditional book club with different selections at each remaining session. Check out the changes on our "Meeting dates" page (at the right).
