Church and state issues are in the news now more than ever before. New technologies push the boundaries of moral consensus by creating new controversies, such as those involving stem-cell research and medical measures to sustain or end the lives of the terminally ill. The Supreme Court continues to work to clarify the fuzzy line between religion and politics.Duncan and Jones report that at the beginning of the 21st century, there are as many interpretations of this separation as there are interpretations of particular issues. This three-volume collection summarizes the history and status of issues involving the separation of church and state by examining the backgrounds, relevant constitutional concerns, and variety of perspectives on specific controversies. Framed by a general discussion of the history of the separation of church and state and a careful examination of subjects such as capital punishment, gay marriage, and clergy support of political leaders, an incredibly complex, enlightening, and provocative picture emerges for anyone with an interest in the unique nature of religion in the United States of America.