Edwin S. Gaustad (1923-2011) was Professor Emeritus of History and Religious Studies at the University of California, Riverside. He also taught at Shorter College, the University of Redlands, Baylor University, and Auburn University. He received a B.A. from Baylor University and a M.A. and a Ph.D. from Brown University. He is the author of, among other works, Sworn on the Altar of God: A Religious Biography of Thomas Jefferson, Liberty of Conscience: Roger Williams in America, Historical Atlas of Religion in America, The Religious History of America: The Heart of the American Story from Colonial Times to Today (with Leigh Schmidt), and Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land: A History of Church and State in America."
American Historical Review
"A thorough treatment of Jefferson's thinking on religious freedom
as well as his private testaments of faith." Booklist
"This timely reminder of Jefferson's lifelong commitment to
religious liberty is also a clearly written account of the origins
and context of the commitment. . . A rich introduction to
Jefferson's life and work. . . A valuable contribution to
reflection on both possibilities." Cathedral Age
"An unusually interesting, useful book to have at hand during an
election year when the debate on church/state issues is likely to
generate much heat and little light." Catholic News Service
"A well informed and astute analysis of what led the famed
statesman to be a strong, unyielding proponent of religious
liberty." CBA Bookstore Journal
"Worthwhile reading for people interested in the religious ideals
of America's founders." Christian Century
"Written for a literate, nonscholarly audience, this book
gracefully displays the lifetime of thought Gaustad has devoted to
its main themes." Church History
"A highly readable survey of the life of Thomas Jefferson, focusing
upon the religious views of the sage of Monticello. . . Gaustad
offers a fair and complete picture of Jefferson's thoughts on
religion by drawing upon his extensive correspondence with friends
and acquaintances." Journal of American History
"His 'religious biography' of Jefferson is more than that--it is an
intellectual excursion through Jefferson's writings, with
particular attention to his views on churches, the clergy, the
Bible, and the tension between reason and mysticism. Particularly
rewarding are Gaustad's analysis of the Virginia Statute for
Religious Freedom, his explanation of the importance of Joseph
Preistley in Jefferson's view of Christianity, and his lucid
summary of 'The Jefferson Bible." Journal of Church & State
"Splendid work. . . Gaustad is respected among American historians
for various reasons, not the least of which is his almost uncanny
ability to step inside the framework of those about whom he writes.
Reading Gaustad's work on Jefferson is like taking a journey inside
the head and heart of one of our country's most complex and
fruitful thinkers." Journal of Southern History
"Sworn on the Altar of God is lively and well written, exactly what
one has come to expect from any Gaustad volume. As such, it is a
fine addition to Eerdman's excellent Library of Religious Biography
series. It provides a judicious scan of the pertinent documents and
gently imposes an orderliness to them that any read unfamiliar with
the subject will welcome." Princeton Seminary Bulletin
"Once again Edwin S. Gaustad has demonstrated that first-rate
scholarship and sparkling prose can live together happily in the
same book. . . Gaustad has produced in Sworn on the Altar of God
one of those gems increasingly rare in scholarly publishing: a
volume equally valuable to specialists and to beginning students of
American religion alike." Publishers Weekly
"A fine starting point for studying religion in America. . . By
bringing Jefferson's intellectual passion to life, Gaustad has
demonstrated the key role religion played in the founding of the
nation." The Covenant Quarterly
"This excellent volume provides important insights into some of the
vital issues of religion in American society. It also gives a
balanced, engaging, clearly written portrayal of a most fascinating
American leader. I recommend it highly to anyone interested in
exploring the foundations and implications of the 'American
experiment." The New York Times
"Anyone who wants to understand how and why separation of church
and state became a basic American principle should read Sworn on
the Altar of God."
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