The originalist approach : some comments on methodology -- The colonial antecedents -- The revolutionary and formative years -- The framing and adoption of the First Amendment -- Religious liberty in the early years of the Republic : the rise of the story view -- Getting off on the wrong foot : the Reynolds and Everson decisions -- The incorporation debate : are the religion clauses of the First Amendment applicable against the states? -- State-composed prayer and Bible reading in the public schools : the Engel and Schempp cases -- Meditation and silent prayer in the public schools : the Jaffree case -- Equal access : the Widmar and Bender cases -- Governmental chaplains and public prayers outside the school context : the Marsh case -- Legislative proposals and congressional activity : a study in political persistence.