Understand the development and impact of religion in the United States with RELIGION IN AMERICA, VOLUME I, PRIMARY SOURCES! From the earliest of times, Americans have wrestled with questions that religious contradictions raise, such as: Is the United States a holy experiment or a secular refuge from oppressive religion? Should our priority as a people and nation be to encourage individual achievement or community spirit? Is our role in world affairs to be an inspiration to other nations or to wield power? These questions, which fashioned US political and social debate, have continually been inspired by, reflected in, and influenced by religious commentary and action. This reader helps you explore the history of these religious contradictions, so you can better understand the world we live in today.