Thomas Paine, a seminal figure in American History, was an Englishman by birth who immigrated to America in 1774, where he quickly took up the cause of the independence of the American colonies from England. His famous work "Common Sense", published in 1776, helped to gain public support for the American Revolution and established him as a central figure among the founding fathers. Later, while living in France during the French Revolution, Paine...

Author Meacham tells the human story of how the Founding Fathers viewed faith, and how they ultimately created a nation in which belief in God is a matter of choice. At a time when our country seems divided by extremism, this book draws on the past to offer a new perspective. Meacham re-creates the history of a nation grappling with religion and politics--from John Winthrop's "city on a hill" sermon to Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence;...

"Now updated with new material by #1 New York Times bestselling author Marianne Williamson, the twentieth anniversary edition of Healing the Soul of America shares her timeless, visionary message of political healing. In the twentieth anniversary edition of Healing the Soul of America, Marianne Williamson reclaims her powerful voice for social conscience in American society. This is a time, according to Williamson, for Americans to return once again...

The culture wars have distorted the dramatic story of how Americans came to worship freely. Author Waldman, cofounder of Beliefnet.com, argues that the United States was not founded as a "Christian nation," nor were the Founding Fathers uniformly secular or Deist. Rather, the Founders forged a new approach to religious liberty, a revolutionary formula that promoted faith--by leaving it alone. His narrative begins with early settlers' stunningly unsuccessful...

Do recent changes in the Middle East signal peace? One Arab country after another is signing historic, game-changing peace, trade, investment, and tourism deals with Israel. At the same time, Russia, Iran, and Turkey are forming a highly dangerous alliance that could threaten the Western powers. Meanwhile, the U.S. is drawing down its military forces in the Mideast and focusing on matters closer to home. Where's it all heading?
New York Times...

Atheist biologist Richard Dawkins presents scientific evidence against the existence of a deity, refutes arguments for God's existence, and argues that faith is dangerous, also discussing such topics as religion's roots, morality's origins, and the indoctrination of children.

Relates the author's efforts to eulogize a beloved rabbi who is near death, while at the same time befriending a Detroit pastor who gives spiritual guidance to the poor and homeless, and describes how observing these two different religious leaders rekindled his own faith.

An overview of ancient Greece and Rome's myths and beliefs; contains a glossary, further reading list, and index.