The Palgrave Handbook of Religion and State Volume II: Global Perpectives addresses issues of Religion and State from a multitude of disciplines. The volume begins with the philosophical discussion of perennial issues that have to do with the origin and nature of rights. One question centers on the right to use ones religious beliefs to enact laws. This discussion alone sets this handbook apart from other handbooks of its type. While addressing these perennial questions, this volume includes authors who interact with the work of John Rawls, Hobbes, Rousseau, and a host of contemporary philosophers. The subsequent sections address the American Constitutional Experiment, religion, state, and law in the Americas.

Shannon Holzer is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Houston Christian University. He has earned degrees in the areas of religion, philosophy, and religion, politics, and society. Holzer earned his Ph.D. in Religion, Politics and Society from Baylor Universitys J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies. He also holds a M.A. in Philosophy from Biola Universitys Talbot School of Theology. He has published in the areas of philosophy, law, politics, and religion. Holzer is often heard on Houstons KTRH news commenting on religion, politics, and society.