The relationship between religion and politics has traditionally been one of controversy Ecclesial statements on nuclear war, church encouragement of and participation in civil disobedience, and the political visibility of the Christian Right have led to public awareness of-and wariness about the tangled web of politics and religion The problems involved in attempting to separate the two not only resist simple solution but are further complicated by the particular way in which they are shaped by the tradition of separation of church and state.

This volume provides the means for thoughtful entry into the issue of church/state separation by framing the discussion in terms of the dual responsibilities of citizenship and discipleship. Each contributor answers the central question. How might we appro-priately educate disciples who are responsible citizens? The unifying factor informing their responses is the Christian obligation to love God and neighbor

Mary C. Boys is Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Edu-cation at Boston College