"This book considers the ongoing cultural and legal controversy over the concept of church-state separation and the metaphor "wall of separation." It examines the origins of the concept and what led to its rise as a popular concept, then to its adoption by the Supreme Court and its fall into disfavor among many Americans"-- Provided by publisher.

Historical antecedents of separationism -- Disestablishment and separationism -- The early national period -- The Protestant establishment of the nineteenth century -- Separation becomes constitutional canon -- Separation's apex and decline.