Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism

a history lesson...

Freethinkers is a history lesson we never learned in school. Susan Jacoby brings to light a number of significant people from the past who wanted to change the future. She begins in the days of the American Revolution and covers more than 200 years of freethinking people and the principles they fought for. The writing can be a little cloying and dull at times but the information Jacoby relates is important and much of it probably unknown to much of the American populace. This book illuminates many (sadly) uncelebrated freethinkers in our history and is certainly worth a read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Required Reading

Jacoby writes a lot like Richard Hofstadter but perhaps even better. This is intelligent prose that is also clear and easy to read. The first two chapters alone will debunk anyone who says that America is a Christian nation and that the Constitution is a Bible-based document. Jacoby goes on to debunk some other myths along the way, such as the one about the abolition and civil rights movements being predominantly Christian efforts, and the one about atheists and agnostics being libertines and anarchists. Most importantly, Jacoby gives full credit to some unsung heroes of American history--Thomas Paine, Robert Green Ingersoll, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ernestine Rose, and Clarence Darrow. My only criticism is that she doesn't devote enough pages to one of the greatest heroes of American secularism, W.E.B. Dubois, and I don't think she even mentions H.L Mencken. But what she does include is brilliant.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Brilliant (MUST READ)

This is the best book I have read on the subject at hand. This is a must read for any secular minded person. The research that the author puts into the book is quite unbelievable and her knowledge on the subject is second to none. I was very impressed with the background history provided in the book about such great freethinkers as Robert Ingersoll and many others. This book also provides a great detailed account of the feminist movement of our secular history, which is an important part of our secular history......Susan Jacoby is brilliant.

FREETHINKERS By SUSAN JACOBY

This is for the most part a 'History of SECULARISM in America'. It covers much ground and details many who were active for, and several who were nefariously against, freedom of expression about Secularism and the anti -religious! I have found it somewhat long, and repetitive as to the named, and their activities deleanating their stand. I do not like long 'drawn-out' writing of any kind, about any subject, so my opinon about this book may not be the same as yours. It is a history!

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Understanding the issue

Susan Jacoby's book is an excellent history on American Secularism. She provides a comprehensive explanation to the reader of the importance and intent of the framers of the Constitution in establishing a 'wall of separation' between church and state. She strips away all the misconceptions that have been historically constructed to obscure the issues in the minds of the American people. This book serves to clear the mind and give it's readers the ability to think freely on issues confronting America's future. The book is worth the price, worth the read and is rich in food for thought.

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