Overview
What could better distinguish than the essence of this new nation—composed of exiles from a continent whose recent decades and centuries were marked by religious wars, reformations, counter-reformations, inquisitions, and other contretemps spiritual—than the free exercise of faith? Religious liberty, a thing more than mere tolerance, is the marrow of the American Republic, and of its emerging civil society. Much deserved in the celebration is a discussion exploring this American hallmark, and how foundational it is to the civil society that would emerge from the Revolution. Special attention will be given to certain Founders and their efforts in weaving the fabric of voluntary civic association—something so definitional of our exceptional nation—as well as exploring some of the influential faith-based charitable efforts that proved to be the strengthening rebar of the emerging Republic.
