Deep Conviction

True Stories of Ordinary Americans Fighting for the Freedom to Live Their Beliefs

By: Steven T. Collis

Narrated by: Richard Powers

Deep Conviction features four ordinary Americans who put their reputations and livelihoods at risk as they fought to protect their first amendment right to live their personal beliefs. Though these individuals couldn’t be more different, they share a similar conviction and determination, and the principles of religious freedom apply equally to all of them.

In 1813, a Catholic priest in New York City faced prison after a grand jury subpoenaed him for refusing to divulge the identity of a jewelry thief who admitted to the crime during the sacrament of confession.

In 1959, an atheist in Maryland was forced to choose between his job and his beliefs when the state required him, as part of the hiring process, to sign an oath that said he believed in God. The United States Supreme Court would decide his fate.

In 1989, a Klamath Indian man walked into the highest court of our nation to fight for the right to practice the central sacrament of the Native American church after the state of Oregon had declared it illegal.

And, finally, in 2017, a Christian baker and a gay couple took their case to the United States Supreme Court after the baker declined to create a custom wedding cake to celebrate the couple’s same-sex marriage, fearing it would violate his duty to God.

Chosen for their universality and for the broad principles they represent, these true stories reflect the diversity of beliefs in the United States, the conflicts between religious freedom and other interests, the perils individuals face when their right to live their beliefs is threatened, and the genius of America’s promise of religious liberty for all.

©2019 Steven T. Collis (P)2019 Shadow Mountain

Tolerance

Excellent presentation of the history and issues that underpin the principles of religious freedom. It expanded my thinking on the topic and reminded me of the importance of kindness and tolerance for all, particularly those who sincerely believe differently than I do.

Best legal book I’ve ever read

I enjoyed the way the author did not take sides and just relayed the facts in very compelling fashion. Well done!

Excellent!

Great glimpse into the history of religious freedom in the USA. This will change the way I think about mine and my neighbors religious freedom and it’s importance in regards to our stability, peace and freedom we so often take for granted in this country. We done!

A good listen

If you are looking for an unbiased approach on the subject matter, look here first.