What do you think?
Rate this book
Separate for a Reason: Re-Examining Separation of Church and State in America
On June 14, 2004, the Supreme Court overturned a decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals which held that the Pledge of Allegiance violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Separate for a Reason explores the Pledge of Allegiance case and other First Amendment cases which demonstrate the growing tension over the place of religious practices and symbols in public and governmental establishments.
A former federal prosecutor and college law teacher, Janet Ruth adds her perspective to an increasingly volatile debate over the separation of church and state. Combining her extensive law background with her Christian faith, Ruth questions the wisdom of fighting to preserve a Christian nation that is, so often, Christian in name only. She says “it is time for Christians to change their focus from preserving morality in America to spreading the gospel of Christ in America and throughout the world. For it is not ‘through acts of righteousness’ that we are saved, or through moral laws and empty religious ceremonies.”
In Separate for a Reason, Ruth challenges Christians to consider a third side to the Church/State debate, one which places an emphasis on giving our allegiance to God.
A former federal prosecutor and college law teacher, Janet Ruth adds her perspective to an increasingly volatile debate over the separation of church and state. Combining her extensive law background with her Christian faith, Ruth questions the wisdom of fighting to preserve a Christian nation that is, so often, Christian in name only. She says “it is time for Christians to change their focus from preserving morality in America to spreading the gospel of Christ in America and throughout the world. For it is not ‘through acts of righteousness’ that we are saved, or through moral laws and empty religious ceremonies.”
In Separate for a Reason, Ruth challenges Christians to consider a third side to the Church/State debate, one which places an emphasis on giving our allegiance to God.
151 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2005
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Janet Ruth
4 books37 followersWife, mother, writer, speaker, Janet Ruth is passionate about encouraging Christians to truly live what they say they believe. Her books help Christians internalize their Christian beliefs so they influence their thoughts and actions every day.
Ruth is the author of two Christian living books that have been printed in various editions: "Standing Firm" which is a Bible study on the armor of God and "Separate for a Reason" which was previously titled "One Nation Under God." Her third Christian living book will be released in 2021.
In addition to her non-fiction books, Ruth wrote a fantasy/romance/historical fiction novel called "Brenin's Crown." Because sometimes you've just got have some fun!
Ruth is a native of sunny Arizona, although she has also lived in Indiana and Saudi Arabia. She is a former Assistant United States Attorney, a former college professor, and a former robotics team manager. Ruth loves to read, travel, watch movies, and do volunteer work when she's not writing.
Ruth is the author of two Christian living books that have been printed in various editions: "Standing Firm" which is a Bible study on the armor of God and "Separate for a Reason" which was previously titled "One Nation Under God." Her third Christian living book will be released in 2021.
In addition to her non-fiction books, Ruth wrote a fantasy/romance/historical fiction novel called "Brenin's Crown." Because sometimes you've just got have some fun!
Ruth is a native of sunny Arizona, although she has also lived in Indiana and Saudi Arabia. She is a former Assistant United States Attorney, a former college professor, and a former robotics team manager. Ruth loves to read, travel, watch movies, and do volunteer work when she's not writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 6, 2020
In reading the first three chapters, I find a very well-researched, informative treatise on the question re: separation of church and state. I am looking forward to see how it will unfold in the ensuing pages.
And now after completing the reading of "Separate", I have seen how Janet thoroughly gives the background of the historical research as to how we got to the point we are in this crucial debate. Embarking from that point, she succinctly shows our logical response to that same history, showing the various viewpoints we could take. She finally shows from extensive scriptural proofs our needed response, that of focusing on our responsibility as Christians to spread the Gospel of our Christ in whatever environment we should find ourselves in, whether under a tolerant government, or a more authoritarian one, such as Rome in Paul's day, or as a persecuted Christian in a very restrictive environment. May God grant that we be found faithful to Him, wherever we are. And I could wish we had more Justices like our dear Janet!
And now after completing the reading of "Separate", I have seen how Janet thoroughly gives the background of the historical research as to how we got to the point we are in this crucial debate. Embarking from that point, she succinctly shows our logical response to that same history, showing the various viewpoints we could take. She finally shows from extensive scriptural proofs our needed response, that of focusing on our responsibility as Christians to spread the Gospel of our Christ in whatever environment we should find ourselves in, whether under a tolerant government, or a more authoritarian one, such as Rome in Paul's day, or as a persecuted Christian in a very restrictive environment. May God grant that we be found faithful to Him, wherever we are. And I could wish we had more Justices like our dear Janet!
March 2, 2020
Janet Ruth inspires me to think beyond my comfort in a Christian dominant country. Besides the legal logic of separation of church and state, Janet supports her opinion with scriptural citations. Separate for a Reason is logical, easy to read, and a breath of fresh air on a tired subject. I am blessed to be part of Janet's launch team. I gifted her book for lenten reading to Christian family members.
February 24, 2020
Janet Ruth provides not only the history of pertinent cases brought before our nation's highest court, but provides an understanding of the soul-searching that our founding fathers and Supreme Court Justices undertook with each and every case. All readers will be challenged to re-examine their own beliefs.
August 12, 2021
We All Need to Read as Americans!
This is a great book to read and think about. We all think we know what the Constitution means when talking about a separation between church and state in the United States. But we really fully don’t know until we read this book. Janet Ruth explains it truthfully and by law. I recommend for all Christian Americans, especially, to read.
This is a great book to read and think about. We all think we know what the Constitution means when talking about a separation between church and state in the United States. But we really fully don’t know until we read this book. Janet Ruth explains it truthfully and by law. I recommend for all Christian Americans, especially, to read.
May 22, 2022
Separate for a Reason is unique and thought-provoking. I learned a lot from Janet, who is an expert in American law and history and has a deep knowledge of the Bible. She shows a deep love for our country and an even deeper love for God. Her perspective on how Christian Americans should approach politics and faith is refreshing and inspiring. I highly recommend this book!
December 20, 2020
I disagreed that the Church needs to be separated from the State because Christians should put theirs energies toward evangelizing. Separation is needed in that I would not like to see a required membership in a state church.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2020
As the work of an attorney-trained author, I found the book to be very informative and thought-provoking. Whether one agrees with or questions the author's conclusions, it will be an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews