The future of America, in many ways, depends upon an understanding of the proper role of religion in our shared life as a republic. Discussions and debates on the topic have too often generated noise, platitudes, stereotypes, name-calling, and the distortion of vitally important issues, instead of constructive conversation among citizens--until now.

Of all the voices commenting about American religion today, none is more credible or better known than that of historian Martin E. Marty. A respected scholar, author, editor, and media commentator, he has-perhaps better than anyone else in the field-a deep grasp on the complex issues surrounding public religion.

MARTIN E. MARTY is the author of more than fifty books, including the five-volume The Fundamentalisms Project and the three-volume Modern American Religion. He is professor emeritus at the University of Chicago Divinity School, where he received his Ph.D. and taught for thirty-five years. An ordained minister, he is senior editor of the weekly Christian Century, a frequent media commentator on American religion, and the recipient of sixty-four honorary degrees.