The Ambiguous Embrace: Government and Faith-Based Schools and Social Agencies (New Forum Books)

Even strict church-and-state separatists may think twice after reading Charles L. Glenn's convincing case for allowing religious-based organizations to deliver education and social services. Glenn, a respected voice who directed urban education for the state of Massachusetts for 21 years, argues that these groups can help "remoralize" society. Faith-based organizations are better at supplying services, he contends, because they have the distinct advantage of stirring religious devotion and enthusiasm where the government leaves people cold. Glenn's writing is simple, clear, and persuasive, touching on almost every aspect of this issue. He documents how public funds are already used for church daycare centers, private colleges, shelters for abused children, AIDS hospices, and other faith-based services. He also offers three in-depth examinations of successful faith-based ventures: a Protestant Pentecostal street ministry for drug-addicted youths called Teen Challenge, the Salvation Army, and the "neocorporatism" movement in the Netherlands and Germany that has made way for religious organizations in school and early childhood programs. Despite the book's broad view, Glenn fails to address how the United States, with its myriad religions, would distribute such power. He also glosses over the ugly prospect of intolerance, arguing that faith-based organizations should be allowed to hire and help whomever they wish.

Still, Glenn, now a professor of education at Boston University, has timed his argument well. There are recent signs that the United States may be softening its division of church and state, most noticeably with vouchers in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Puerto Rico including religious schools. The courts also have indicated a willingness to bend on the issue, allowing government aid to faith-based schools if the money directly benefits the students and, in the case of the U.S. Supreme Court, refusing to hear arguments in the Wisconsin voucher lawsuit. Both those who advocate a stronger embrace between government and religion and those who are wary of it would benefit from reading Glenn's view. --Jodi Mailander Farrell