Religious Freedom: Jefferson's Legacy, America's Creed

Ragosta, a professor of History at Hamilton College, adds the latest volume to his publisher's Jeffersonian America series with this scholarly work focusing on Jefferson's vision of religious freedom and how it has shaped the United States. Ragosta keeps a very tight focus; this isn't a book that considers Jefferson's scandalous relationship with his slave Sally Hemmings, or, for that matter, anything else about his personal life. However, an engrossing first chapter ably attempts to explicate his spiritual philosophy. "Over time," Ragosta notes, "Jefferson's religious beliefs became increasingly nonconventional, but also increasingly a matter of deeply thought and deeply felt convictions". From that promising start, the book turns to the Bill of Rights and other pivotal documents regarding religious freedom which Jefferson created or collaborated on. It then considers the effect these documents have had on American policy and practice. Though Ragosta tries, this litany of law-making is a dry read, and the author's penchant for listing his points doesn't help. The final chapter, considering Jefferson's legacy, and the way it's been pushed and pulled to meet the requirements of those who wish to appear to be in line with their country's founding father, will capture readers' attention again and provides a thought-provoking conclusion. (Apr.)