Deep Conviction: True Stories of Ordinary Americans Fighting for the Freedom to Live Their Beliefs Hardcover – April 23, 2019

I read this book while on a vacation trip. To the extent a book on religious liberty can be a page turner, it was. I especially enjoyed how the author brought to life the characters involved in the particular cases that are the focus of the book. Learning the background leading up to the fiasco in Employment Division v. Smith was particularly enlightening. I also thought the author did an excellent job in even-handedly explaining the interests at stake in the Masterpiece Cake litigation. It is a terrific piece of work that enlarges the public understanding of what’s at stake in the religious freedom fight.

I have always cherished the right of freedom of religion, but this book has helped me to see how some in our society are left out of this important right. We need to defend not only ourselves, but our neighbor's right to conscience.

This is a very important book. For you. Because at some point you will be in the minority and misunderstood. The sooner we realize we all have deep convictions that need to be treated with respect, the sooner we all start working in harmony.

For anyone who loves a good story and the law. Well written and totally enjoyable.

I like that he carefully crafted both sides of the issues so the readers could understand. Well thought through and well delivered.

Note: I won my copy through a giveaway on Goodreads.This is an extremely interesting book that gives an overview of four landmark Supreme Court cases regarding freedom of religion and concept of "compelling interest" when it comes to laws that affect religious beliefs. It also explores how the Al Smith case in the 80s (regarding the religious use of peyote) has affected the current view of freedom of religion. The book is well-organized and written, and I appreciated that the author kept a neutral tone throughout. In each case, Collis depicts both sides without demonizing them and with an attempt to accurately portray their beliefs and motivations. At the same time, he examines how even the most sympathetic of motivations does not necessarily lead to a legally or constitutionally sound conclusion. It's a good book for anyone interested in how the concept of freedom of religion has played out during our country's history.

Steven T. Collis, an adjunct professor of religious liberty law at the University of Denver College of Law, has written an interesting book. Deep Conviction: True Stories of Ordinary Americans Fighting for the Freedom to Live Their Beliefs is the story of four Americans who chose against the grain of conformity and for personal beliefs and religious freedom, against all odds, trials, and tribulations. A catholic priest, an atheist, an indigenous American and a Christian, diverse as they were, all of them help preserve liberty in the face of increasing government power over several decades and even as far back as when our government was in its infancy. This is political science, theology, and human interest, making fascinating reading.Miguel A. Faria, M.D. is an Associate Editor in Chief in socioeconomics, politics, medicine, and world affairs of Surgical Neurology International (SNI). His upcoming book is America, Guns, and Freedom — A Journey Into Politics and the Public Health & Gun Control Movements (2019)

Religious freedom is one of the most misunderstood rights in today's pop culture. Rather than engaging in a dry academic discussion of the topic, Steven Collis has carefully selected four unique but powerful real life stories which vividly help the reader understand what religious freedom really is. These stories--particularly the last three--make it very easy for the reader to understand the current legal landscape in the United States. What stood out most to me from the book was the point that religious freedom is essential to protecting the rights of the minority. The majority (whoever that may be) almost always looks narrowly on the beliefs and practices of the minority (whomever that may be). But the reality is that societal viewpoints and norms change with time and one group that is in the majority today may very well find itself in the minority tomorrow. This book plainly shows how protecting the rights of the minority ultimately creates protections for us all--regardless of where we may find ourselves on the political spectrum. I highly recommend it to you.