Evangelical Origins of the Living Constitution

Discover the groundbreaking insights of John W. Compton in his compelling book, Evangelical Origins of the Living Constitution, published by Harvard University Press in 2014. Spanning 272 pages, this hardback edition delves into how evangelicals, rather than New Deal reformers, significantly influenced the most pivotal constitutional developments of the twentieth century. Compton explores the early-1800s evangelical crusade that aimed to dismantle the structures supporting immorality, which in turn challenged the founding-era legal protections surrounding slavery, lotteries, and liquor sales. This engaging narrative not only sheds light on the intersections of church and state but also reveals how these movements laid the groundwork for progressivism in America. Ideal for readers interested in constitutional history, religion, and the evolution of law in the United States, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of evangelicalism on American legal frameworks.