{"product_id":"village-atheists-how-americas-unbelievers-made-their-way-in-a-godly-nation","title":"Village Atheists: How America's Unbelievers Made Their Way in a Godly Nation","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eLeigh Eric Schmidt's book \"Village Atheists\" explores the history of atheism in American public life, highlighting the struggles and contributions of godless freethinkers who challenged religious establishment and fought for equal rights and liberties. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 360 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 18 December 2018\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Princeton University Press\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAtheism has had a complex and often controversial history in American public life. Throughout much of American history, atheists have been viewed as a threat to the nation's moral fabric, barred from holding public office, and labeled as irreligious misfits in a nation chosen by God. However, village atheists, as these godless freethinkers came to be known by the close of the nineteenth century, were also hailed for their courageous dissent from stifling pieties and for posing a necessary secularist challenge to the entanglements of church and state.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn his book \"Village Atheists,\" Leigh Eric Schmidt explores the complex cultural terrain that unbelievers have long had to navigate in their fight to secure equal rights and liberties in American public life. He rebuilds the history of American secularism from the ground up, giving flesh and blood to these outspoken infidels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Village Atheists\" demonstrates that the secularist vision for the United States proved to be anything but triumphant in a country where faith and citizenship were—and still are—closely interwoven. Atheists have faced numerous challenges throughout American history, including discrimination, persecution, and marginalization. They have been denied the right to hold public office, censored by the media, and subjected to social and legal discrimination.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, village atheists have continued to advocate for their beliefs and fight for equal rights. They have organized protests, written books, and engaged in public discourse to challenge the dominance of religious faith in American society. Some of the most notable village atheists include Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, who were instrumental in shaping the American political and intellectual landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the history of atheism in American public life is a complex and multifaceted tale that reflects the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and secularism in the United States. While atheists have faced numerous challenges and discrimination, they have also made significant contributions to American society and culture. The book \"Village Atheists\" provides a valuable insight into the lives and struggles of these godless freethinkers and their fight for equal rights and liberties in American public life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 466g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 144 x 224 x 23 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780691183114\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leigh Eric Schmidt","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44101553717498,"sku":"9780691183114","price":17.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/9ad4b95a7ce59e84e190db01494edd6f.jpg?v=1625196485","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/village-atheists-how-americas-unbelievers-made-their-way-in-a-godly-nation","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}