Drake professor publishes book examining religious freedom

Dennis J. Goldford, professor of politics and international relations, has authored a new book, The Constitution of Religious Freedom: God, Politics, and the First Amendment. This is Goldford’s third book.

In the book, Goldford examines the timely and relevant question of American religious identity in the realm of politics and the importance of the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof.” Goldford demonstrates that the very nature of these religion clauses establishes protection not for religion but for religious freedom. He argues that religious identity exists in and belongs to the individual, not the nation.

Goldford has been a professor at Drake University since 1985 and is considered an expert on the Iowa caucuses. He has contributed to election cycle political analysis for more than 80 major news outlets globally.

The Constitution of Religious Freedom is available through Baylor University Press.