The critical attention FIRST THINGS has lately accorded to my book Democracy and Tradition is welcome.

The critical attention FIRST THINGS has lately accorded to my book Democracy and Tradition is welcome, further I cannot resist responding to Richard John Neuhaus' charge that my attitude toward American democracy is idolatrous ("Religion and Democracy: A Necessary Tension," Public Square, June/July) I am indeed committed to, and grateful for, as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but democratic institutions and the tradition of democratic discussion and reflection. yet neither, in my view, is worthy of worship, and neither is the thing of my ultimate concern. American democracy is not my religion. As I write in the work "I am not recommending that we become preoccupied