Subtitled Politics in Utah, God and Country is a series of essays by 17 prominent Utahns regarding their experiences and views on how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints directly and indirectly exerts influence on political, cultural, and social life in the Beehive state. Among the distinguished contributors are the late Professor Peter C. Appleby, Governor Calvin L. Rampton, political reporter Rod Decker, Rev. Thomas R. Goldsmith, attorney John J. Flynn, peace activist Edwin B. Firmage, and Salt Lake Tribune publisher emeritus John W. Gallivan.

In the foreword, Harold J. Berman says, "We delight in the Constitutional order in which ecclesiastical and political authorities are required to be entirely separate and where neither may interfere in the legitimate activities of the other." The various contributors discuss several ways that wall of separation has historically been tested in Utah. Berman continues, "Tensions between religious belief and governmental policy become especially acute when adherents of different religious faiths compete with each other to influence governmental action." Berman concludes, "…government and religions are dimensions of each other…the two need each other."

Everyone interested in how church and state, religion and government, interact in Utah will find these essays compelling.

--Flo Wineriter

God And Country
Jedffery E. Sells, editor
Publisher: Signature Books, SLC 2005