Mild and Equitable Establishments

Abstract

This paper, which was prepared for discussion at the May 2018 Dulles Colloquium, convened by the Institute for Public Life, engages current discussions and debates regarding the nature of “liberalism” and the content of “religious freedom.” It considers, specifically, whether a “liberal" political community may and/or should recognize or establish a religion, drawing on the Second Vatican Council's “Declaration on Religious Freedom.” And, it addresses the controversy surrounding “Big Mountain Jesus.”

Keywords: Religious Freedom, First Amendment, Establishment of Religion, Religious Liberty, Church and State, Constitution, Liberalism

JEL Classification: K10, K30