“ … erudite yet readable … And very
illuminating it is.”
— Richard Dawkins, author, The God Delusion
It wasn’t what the Founding Fathers intended. Their greatest achievement, the US Constitution, promised citizens secular government. All Americans would have the right to practice any religious belief – or no religious belief – as they chose. The wall between church and state would be both high and strong.
It hasn’t exactly turned out that way.
Through compelling, thoroughly researched chapters, Holy Smoke reveals exactly how Christianity was insinuated into American government starting with the earliest colonies. Later Protestant and Catholic leaders continued to push secularism aside to control the citizenry via local government. Eventually so-called “revivals,” featuring tent meetings and fiery preachers, greatly energized evangelical Christianity leading to turbo-charged, highly political evangelical pressure on our elected officials today.
It’s hardly surprising to hear America described as a Christian country given how legislators have slipped reminders of religion into every corner of public life. “In God We Trust” is inscribed on our money, in our courthouses and in many school hallways, and children pledge allegiance to flag and country “under God.” Added to this are high-ranking government officials who regularly give speeches emphasizing the country’s deep religious roots.
How can concerned citizens unclamp the stranglehold Christianity has on American culture? A growing number of people today do not affiliate with any religious tradition, but reviving and protecting the country’s secular governance requires more action. The more perfect union that our Founding Fathers intended can be achieved, writes Snedeker, but awareness is the first step.
Amazon five-star reader reviews:
“Absolutely Fantastic: Retired journalist Rick Snedeker’s meticulously researched Holy Smoke is both a history and an indictment of American fundamentalism. Spanning over 500 years (1492 – 2020), Snedeker chronicles the ebb and flow of religious fervor in America and its impact on social and political institutions … Are we hopelessly lost? Snedeker doesn’t think so, but he admits the climb out of the abyss will be slow and perilous. He has suggestions, good ones, but I won’t spoil the surprise here. Just go read it for yourself.”
“I expected this book to be preachy and probably offensive. Rather, it was well-researched, logical, and eye-opening. Regardless of where you are on the faith continuum, Holy Smoke will make you think.”
