Religion and politics Books

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Book SynopsisTwo friends on opposite sides of the aisle provide a practical guide to grace-filled political conversation while challenging readers to put relationship before policy and understanding before argument.

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Book SynopsisCongratulations to Luke Bretherton on winning the 2013 Michael Ramsey Prize for Theological Writing for Christianity and Contemporary Politics! Relations between religious and political spheres continue to stir passionate debates on both sides of the Atlantic. Through a combination of theological reflection and empirical case studies, Bretherton succeeds in offering timely and invaluable insights into these crucial issues facing 21st century societies. Explores the relationship between Christianity and contemporary politics through case studies of faith-based organizations, Christian political activism and welfare provision in the West; these case studies assess initiatives including community organizing, fair trade, and the sanctuary movement Offers an insightful, informative account of how Christians can engage politically in a multi-faith, liberal democracy Integrates debates in political theology with inter-disciplinaryTrade Review“A deeply hospitable book, which is rooted in evangelical orthodoxy, but is clearly open to public dialogues and unafraid to speak within them in its own accent … [Bretherton’s] account of listening as a Christian political practice is outstanding and inspiring. This is a very fine book, which deserves the attention and engagement of the practical theological community.” (International Journal of Practical Theology, 19 July 2012) “My hope is that the ideas contained here will not remain in the academy but will provide momentum for a challenging Christian encounter with the issues and injustices of our political and social context.” (Modern Believing, 1 April 2012) "[Bretherton] establishes himself in this book as a leading figure in political theology by giving a profound synthetic account of political theory and theology." (Church Times, 2010) "I'll be giving Christianity and Contemporary Politics to my graduate students and others seeking to become authors and academics. It is a model of the kind of book a scholar should be looking to write." (Christian Century, June 2011) "This is a wonderful book, perhaps the best book on contemporary Christianity and politics in liberal nation-states I have read. It is both based in concrete practices and theoretically aware. Most of all, its author exhibits the virtues necessary to undertake such a task: he is generous, faithful, and engaged with real communities of Christians and others. I will be using this book with students, and recommending it to colleagues." (Studies in Christian Ethics, June 2011) "I strongly recommend this book as one of the most fascinating accounts of the relationship between politics and religion in contemporary society. The author has mastered very skillfully several bodies of literature from different disciplines and presented a new synthesis of them. He points a way forward that takes into account traditional ways of understanding religious faith and practice but practiced in the very new and emergent conditions of the twenty-first century." (Politics, Religion & Ideology, December 2011) "This book is important, though not always an easy read. However, the effort will reward those who persevere with new insights about the mission of the church and the witness of the individual Christian. It should prove particularly refreshing to those who train ministers and church-related community workers, as well as to all who struggle with political and community issues within the church in its Big Society." (Reform, 1 May 2011) "Over the past decade political theology has become one of the most energetic (and polemical) conversations in the field of theology. Bretherton (King's College London) makes a signal contribution to these debates as a voice characterized by critical charity. While the field has tended to line up in camps (e.g., Niebuhrians vs. Hauenvasians), Bretherton is eager to affirm what's right in both without shrinking from criticizing either. The great virtue of this book is that it moves the conversation from the abstract environs of national politics and "church-state" questions to the nitty-gritty environs of the municipal pursuit of the common good (or rather, as Bretherton emphasizes, goods in common). Changing the scope and scale of the question, the book provides a fresh analysis through a series of case studies that are attentive to place--considering, for example, the community organizing of Saul Alinsky (the space of Obama's apprenticeship) as a case of the church concretely impacting the shared space of common goods. Neither beset by worries about Constantinianism, nor motivated by pretensions to Christendom, this book deserves wide attention." (CHOICE, December 2010) "I cannot commend it highly enough." (Regent's Reviews, 1 October 2010) "Bretherton is one of the most helpful voices engaging culture in a way that results in robust witness and faithful Gospel proclamation. And so this book is enthusiastically recommended to all concerned with relevant Christian witness in ever changing Western political situations." (European Journal of Theology, 2010) Table of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgments. Introduction. The Terms and Conditions of Political Life. Religion and Postsecular Politics. Theological Politics and the Ecclesial-Turn. Summary of Aims and Methodology. 1. Faith-Based Organizations and the Emerging Shape of Church–State Relations. Introduction. "Working Together": The Shaping of Relations between the State and Religious Groups in a Multi-Faith Society. Social Cohesion, Social Capital, and the "Salvation" of Civil Society. Liberalism and the Continuing Requirements of Public Reason. Theological Politics and the Question of What Constitutes Faithful Witness. Ecclesiology and the Political Mission of the Church. Summary. 2. Local: Augustine, Alinsky, and the Politics of the Common Good. Introduction. The Alinsky Approach: The Work of Broad-Based Community Organizing. Eschatology, Politics, and the Mutual Ground of the Saeculum. Christian Realism Redivivus? A Thomistic Democratic Politics? Reweaving Civil Society. Politics without Piety Is Pitiless; Piety without Politics Is Pitiful. Summary. 3. National: Christian Cosmopolitanism, Refugees, and the Politics of Proximity. Introduction. Theological Politics and the Liberal Democratic Response to Refugees. Refugees as Bare Life. Bare Life and the Limits of Humanitarianism. Hallowing Bare Life: A Doxological Response. Hallowed Be Thy Name. Sanctuary: The Practice of Hallowing Bare Life. Summary. 4. Global: Consumerism, Fair Trade, and the Politics of Ordinary Time. Introduction. Defining Political Consumerism. Consumerism and the Formation of Desire. Political Consumerism as Apprenticeship in the Virtues. Political Consumerism as Neighbor Love. Fair Trade as Contradiction. Fair Trade, Globalization and the Emergence of Political Consumerism. Ordinary Politics and the Peace of Babylon. Summary. Conclusion: Toward a Politics of Hospitality and a Theology of Politics. Epilogue. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisThere are some senses, Gimbel claims, in which Jews can find a special connection to E = mc2, and this claim leads to the engaging, spirited debate at the heart of this book.Trade ReviewIn this wide-ranging exploration, Gimbel... seeks to discover whether and to what extent Einstein's work could legitimately be called 'Jewish' and what difference it makes. Publishers Weekly Gimbel spins out what could have been a mere provocation into a wide-ranging and entertaining collision of science, history, philosophy, and religion. Zocalo Public Square Gimbel is an engaging writer... he takes readers on enlightening excursions through the nature of Judaism, Hegelian philosophy, wherever his curiosity leads. -- George Johnson New York Times [A] lively, intentionally provocative and wholly compelling inquiry into the Jewishness of Einstein himself and the world-changing scientific revolution that he set in motion. -- Jonathan Kirsch Jewish Journal Reaching back into the first half of the twentieth century, Gimbel returns with absorbing stories about Albert Einstein and his life as a politician, brilliant scientist, and Jew. -- Fred Reiss San Diego Jewish World For anyone interested in the history and philosophy of science, this book is well worth reading to its delightful conclusion. -- Rivqa Rafael Cosmos The author explores the question of whether a scientist's religious and cultural/ethnic heritage colors the way he/she does science. Choice The author and his book do a wonderful job in framing the time, and the science, and the politics, and the religion. -- Howard Blumenthal Digital Insider The ugly, public assault on Einstein in early 1920s Germany is the starting point... The attack on Einstein is thoroughly and clearly described and placed in its historical and political context. There is no better English-language source on the topic. But Gimbel quickly turns the whole question upside down, asking with more than a little, deliberate irony whether there might not, in fact, be some truth to the characterization of Einstein's physics as, in some sense, 'Jewish.' What follows is a fascinating and enlightening discussion of many aspects of the scientific, philosophical, religious, cultural, and political history of the 20th century that examines the many different ways in which one might understand the suggestion that Einstein's physics expresses or reflects something distinctively Jewish. -- Don Howard Physics Today To understand Gimbel's argument about the Jewish quality of Einstein's approach-and to perceive the boldness of Gimbel's decision to re-examine twentieth-century, anti-Semitic ideas about 'Jewish science'-it's necessary first to understand the historical moment out of which the theory of relativity emerged. -- Donald Goldsmith TikkunTable of ContentsIntroduction: Einstein's Jewish Science1. Is Einstein a Jew?2. Is Relativity Pregnant with Jewish Concepts?3. Why Did a Jew Formulate the Theory of Relativity?4. Is the Theory of Relativity Political Science or Scientific Politics?5. Did Relativity Influence the Jewish Intelligentsia?6. Einstein's Liberal Science?Conclusion: Einstein's Cosmopolitan ScienceAcknowledgmentsNotesBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisThis book argues for the separation of the church and the state. Additionally, Estelle claims that the historically reformed position is that Christ is ruler of all; however, he manifests his rule in different ways. These basic categories, i.e., that God rules the church as a redeemer (a spiritual kingdom) and rules the state and all other social institutions (the civil kingdom) as creator and sustainer, has been widely held by Reformed thinkers for centuries until the modern period. Estelle claims that without this bedrock truth, any attempt to describe the primary mission of the church will collapse. This book has four parts. Part one gives the biblical basis for the primary mission of the Church. Part two of this book explores what the primary mission of the church is not. Part three of this book pivots toward a positive definition of what the primary mission of the Church is. Part four is more practical. In the final three chapters (part four) of the book, the discussion turns to several areas where the Scripture’s teaching about ecclesiology, specifically on the primary mission of the Church. The book now assumes a practical import for her practice: the nature and limitations of Church power, the mission of the Church and politics and education. Finally, the book concludes with the famous biblical passage in which Paul addresses Athenian citizens on the Aeropagus. This sublime sermon exemplifies Paul’s exquisite evangelism and ably pictures and embodies the positive principles in this book on the primary mission of the Church. Throughout Estelle argues that the mission of the corporate church is spiritual, which means that he describes those things that are properly of and properly belonging to the church.Trade ReviewIn this timely book Bryan Estelle offers a fresh restatement of the classical doctrine of the church: it is a spiritual kingdom with spiritual weapons for a spiritual calling. Citing important voices in the Reformed tradition, The Primary Mission of the Church is a careful and irenic engagement with recent challenges to the church’s spirituality. Estelle demonstrates how this doctrine, rightly understood, liberates the church from false hopes and alien agendas even while it equips believers faithfully to fulfill their callings in the world. -- John R. Muether (Dean of Libraries and Professor of Church History, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando)The church and her engagement with society and contemporary issues, particularly questions of justice, is the source of much division and realignment within many local congregations. Dr. Estelle engages both historical and contemporary writers on the topic, as well as offering a thorough Biblical and Theological walk through key Old Testament passages in order to make his case. I warmly commend this much needed addition to the contemporary conversation. -- Phil Proctor (Pastor, Sterling Presbyterian Church, Sterling, Virginia)

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Book SynopsisThe Bible calls us to be good citizens who love God and love our neighbour how does that affect how we vote?People say that religion and politics shouldn't mix, but God has a lot to say about how we live together. Politics touches many things in our lives, and so, as Christians, we should examine our political beliefs in the light of what God says. Challenging us not to bury our heads in the sand, Joshua Wester encourages young adults to view politics through the lens of their Christian faith, and to test their beliefs against the Bible. This short guide tackles crucial topics that young adults should be thinking about as they think about politics, get involved in conversations and play their part as a member of society. Equipping young people with biblical perspectives and practicalities, Wester enables and equips young people to actively engage with the political process and make a difference. Contents:Introduction: Breaking all the RulesWhat is Politics Anyway?Why Should Chri

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Book Synopsis2021 Book Award Winner, The Gospel Coalition (Public Theology & Current Events) Southwestern Journal of Theology 2021 Book Award (Honorable Mention, Baptist Studies) Christians are often thought of as defending only their own religious interests in the public square. They are viewed as worrying exclusively about the erosion of their freedom to assemble and to follow their convictions, while not seeming as concerned about publicly defending the rights of Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and atheists to do the same. Andrew T. Walker, an emerging Southern Baptist public theologian, argues for a robust Christian ethic of religious liberty that helps the church defend religious freedom for everyone in a pluralistic society. Whether explicitly religious or not, says Walker, every person is striving to make sense of his or her life. The Christian foundations of religious freedom provide a framework for how Christians can navigate deep religious difference in a secular age. As we practice religious liberty for our neighbors, we can find civility and commonality amid disagreement, further the church's engagement in the public square, and become the strongest defenders of religious liberty for all. Foreword by noted Princeton scholar Robert P. George.Table of ContentsContentsForeword by Robert P. GeorgeIntroduction: You Get to Decide What to Worship, Not Whether to Worship1. Religious Liberty as a Christian Social EthicPart 1: Eschatology2. The Reign of Jesus Christ and Religious Liberty3. Religious Liberty and Christian SecularismPart 2: Anthropology4. The Imago Dei and Religious Liberty5. That They Should Seek GodPart 3: Missiology6. Religious Liberty as Christian Mission7. Moral Ecology and Christian MissionConclusion: Retrieving a Tradition for the Common GoodEpilogue: Liberal Democracy and Religious LibertyAppendix: How Religious Liberty Made Me a Baptist

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Book SynopsisGeorge W. Bush had planned to swear his oath of office with his hand on the Masonic Bible used by both his father and George Washington, however, due to the inclement weather, a family Bible was substituted. Almost immediately on taking office, President Bush made passage of "faith-based initiatives"—the government funding of religious charitable groups—a legislative priority. However, "inclement" weather storm-tossed his hopes for faith-based initiatives as well. What happened? Why did these initiatives, which began with such vigor and support from a popular president, fail? And what does this say about the future role of religious faith in American public life? Amy Black, Douglas Koopman, and David Ryden—all prominent political scientists—utilize a framework that takes the issue through all three branches of government and analyzes it through three very specific lenses: a public policy lens, a political party lens, and a lens of religion in the public square. Drawing on dozens of interviews with key figures in Washington, the authors tell a compelling story, revealing the evolution of the Bush faith-based strategy from his campaign for the presidency through congressional votes to the present. They show how political rhetoric, infighting, and poor communication shipwrecked Bush's efforts to fundamentally alter the way government might conduct social services. The authors demonstrate the lessons learned, and propose a more fruitful, effective way to go about such initiatives in the future.Trade Review"Should faith-based organizations be permitted by law to compete to administer government programs on the same basis as all other nonprofit organizations? This lively, lucid, and timely book chronicles how, during the first year of the Bush faith initiative, a seemingly deep and growing consensus favoring public support for community-serving sacred places that serve civic purposes was succeeded by battles between religious 'purists' and 'pragmatists,' and led to legislative politics that were far from bipartisan. Both as a fellow political scientist and as an actor in the drama, I heartily applaud the authors for their tough-minded but balanced, critical yet constructive analysis and conclusions." - John J. Dilulio, Jr., professor of political science, University of Pennsylvania, and former director, White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives"Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Faith-Based Initiatives through Three "Lenses" 1. Before the Faith-Based Initiative: Background and Disputes 2. On the Trail: Campaigning on Faith-Based Issues 3. Partisan Appeal: Faith-Based in a Republican House 4. Who CAREs? Faith-Based in a Divided Senate 5. Rocky Roads: Faith-Based Efforts in the Executive Branch 6. Persuasive Confusion: The Federal Courts and Faith-Based Initiatives 7. Of Little Faith?: Lessons from the Faith-Based Saga Appendix A: Interview Methodology Appendix B: List of Interviews Appendix C: Executive Orders Affecting Faith-Based Policies, 2001-2002 Cases Cited Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn this new century, born in hope but soon thereafter cloaked in terror, many see religion and politics as a volatile, if not deadly, mixture. For All Peoples and All Nations uncovers a remarkable time when that was not so; when together, those two entities gave rise to a new ideal: universal human rights. John Nurser has given life to a history almost sadly forgotten, and introduces the reader to the brilliant and heroic people of many faiths who, out of the aftermath of World War II and in the face of cynicism, dismissive animosity, and even ridicule, forged one of the world's most important secular documents, the United Nations's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These courageous, persistent, visionary individuals—notable among them an American Lutheran Seminary professor from Philadelphia, O. Frederick Nolde—created the Commission on Human Rights. Eventually headed by one of the world's greatest humanitarians, Eleanor Roosevelt, the Universal Declaration has become the touchstone for political legitimacy. As David Little says in the foreword to this remarkable chronicle, "Both because of the large gap it fills in the story of the founding of the United Nations and the events surrounding the adoption of human rights, and because of the wider message it conveys about religion and peacebuilding, For All Peoples and All Nations is an immensely important contribution. We are all mightily in John Nurser's debt." If religion and politics could once find common ground in the interest of our shared humanity, there is hope that it may yet be found again.Trade ReviewFor All Peoples and All Nations succeeds admirably in its main objective to fill a gap in the historical record about the important role of the ecumenical movement in advancing the UN, shaping its Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and authoring its protection of religious liberty. Given the current dominance of conservative religious influence within American politics, in interpreting international affairs, and in perceptions of the United Nations, Nurser reminds us of a time when progressive Christianity's leadership made a global impact and helped give the United Nations its 'soul' in human rights. * Peace & Change: A Journal of Peace Research *John Nurser has put us in an incalculable debt with this book, which is a straightforward but detailed history of how in the post-1945 world human rights actually came to be enshrined both in the structure of the United Nations and in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. * Gospel and Our Culture Newsletter *Table of ContentsForewordDavid Little PrefaceAcknowledgmentsArchives and Abbreviations Introduction: Revisiting a Myth PART ONE 1. The Idea: To Universalize "Christendom" 2. The Man: Fred Nolde PART TWO 3. To Write a Just and Durable Peace 4. Mobilizing Christian Forces 5. The Joint Committee on Religious Liberty 6. Preparing for San Francisco 7. The Charter of the United Nations Organization 8. An Ecumenical Instrument 9. Finding a Text 10. Declaring Human Rights 11. Conclusion: Faith and Human Rights Need Each Other APPENDIXES A Extracts from the Report of the WCC-in-Formation Conference "The Churches and the International Crisis" B Extracts from A Message from the National Study Conference on the Churches and a Just and Durable Peace C Extract from the Minutes of the First Full Meeting of the Joint Committee on Religious Liberty D The "Six Pillars of Peace" E Statement on Religious Liberty F Statement on Religious Liberty, Memorandum No. 2 G Extracts from the Report of Commission II, "The Peace Strategy of the Churches" H Letter on Human Rights in the Charter of the United Nations I Extracts from Concluding Remarks of J.H. Oldham and John Foster Dulles at the Final Session of the Girton College Conference J Letter from O. Frederick Nolde to Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt K Extract from the Report of the Drafting Committee to the Commission on Human Rights L Extracts from the Declaration on Religious Liberty M Extracts from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisCultural factions are an intrinsic part of the fabric of American politics. But does this mean that there is no room for compromise when groups hold radically different viewpoints on major issues? Not necessarily. For example, in a June 2003 Time/CNN poll, 49 per cent of respondents identified themselves as pro-choice and 46 per cent identified as pro-life. But in the same poll, 81 per cent indicated that abortion should be "always legal" or "sometimes legal," suggesting that "pro-life" and "pro-choice" are not discrete positions but allow room for compromise. How do legislators legislate policy conflicts that are defined in explicitly cultural terms such as abortion, gay marriage, and school prayer? American political institutions are frequently challenged by the significant conflict between those who embrace religious traditionalism and those who embrace progressive cultural norms. "Uncompromising Positions: God, Sex, and the U.S. House of Representatives" investigates the politics of that conflict as it is manifested in the proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives. Oldmixon traces the development of these two distinct cultures in contemporary American politics and discusses the decision-making and leadership tactics used by legislators to respond to this division of values. She argues that cultural conflict produces an absolutist politics that draws on religious values not amenable to compromise politics. One possible strategy to address the problem is to build bipartisan coalitions. Yet, interviews with House staffers and House members, as well as roll calls, all demonstrate that ideologically driven politicians sacrifice compromise and stability to achieve short-term political gain. Noting polls that show Americans tend to support compromise positions, Oldmixon calls on House members to put aside short-term political gain, take their direction from the example of the American public, and focus on finding viable solutions to public policy - not zealous ideology.Trade Review"Through the introduction of the idea of 'moral' or 'moralist' legislation and her examination of such legislation, Elizabeth Oldmixon offers new insight into how a legislature deals with moral issues year-in and year-out, over time and over several issues. Her book represents a signal contribution to the study of Congress and the legislative process that will be of interest to specialists as well as scholars with a special interest in the field." - Douglas Koopman, professor of political science, Calvin College "Carefully researched and well-written, this book describes why and how the U.S. House of Representatives handles social policy. Oldmixon blends scholarship on cultural politics with empirical data and personal interviews to give us a broader understanding of legislative behavior." - Matthew C. Moen, professor of political science & dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Dakota"Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction: Guns, Race, and Culture 1. Seeing and Believing in the Foreground 2. The Culture of Progressive Sexuality 3. The Culture of Religious Traditionalism 4. Choosing Folkways 5. Managing Morality 6. Cultural Scuffles and Capitol Hill Appendix A: Elite Interview Information Appendix B: Variable Specification, Coding, and Description Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisCultural factions are an intrinsic part of the fabric of American politics. But does this mean that there is no room for compromise when groups hold radically different viewpoints on major issues? Not necessarily. For example, in a June 2003 Time/CNN poll, 49% of respondents identified themselves as pro-choice and 46% identified as pro-life. But in the same poll, 81% indicated that abortion should be "always legal" or "sometimes legal," suggesting that "pro-life" and "pro-choice" are not discrete positions but allow room for compromise. How do legislators legislate policy conflicts that are defined in explicitly cultural terms such as abortion, gay marriage, and school prayer? American political institutions are frequently challenged by the significant conflict between those who embrace religious traditionalism and those who embrace progressive cultural norms. Uncompromising Positions: God, Sex, and the U.S. House of Representatives investigates the politics of that conflict as it is manifested in the proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives. Oldmixon traces the development of these two distinct cultures in contemporary American politics and discusses the decision-making and leadership tactics used by legislators to respond to this division of values. She argues that cultural conflict produces an absolutist politics that draws on religious values not amenable to compromise politics. One possible strategy to address the problem is to build bipartisan coalitions. Yet, interviews with House staffers and House members, as well as roll calls, all demonstrate that ideologically driven politicians sacrifice compromise and stability to achieve short-term political gain. Noting polls that show Americans tend to support compromise positions, Oldmixon calls on House members to put aside short-term political gain, take their direction from the example of the American public, and focus on finding viable solutions to public policy—not zealous ideology.Trade Review[Oldmixon’s] time on Capitol Hill working for members from both political parties gave her a window into the legislative process and access to members of Congress that made this insightful book possible. Uncompromising Positions is an important read for those seeking to integrate their religious values and worldviews with the political process. * Books & Culture *What makes this book so rich . . . is the inclusion of personal interviews with House members and their staff…Oldmixon has authored an important book. * Perspectives on Politics *[Oldmixon’s] theoretical framework is useful to students and scholars of Congress as we try to make sense of that institution’s work. * Political Science Quarterly *Uncompromising Positions takes a step beyond the general approach to contemporary American politics . . . very highly recommended to all students of the political sciences and American debate. * Library Bookwatch *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction: Guns, Race, and Culture 1. Seeing and Believing in the Foreground 2. The Culture of Progressive Sexuality 3. The Culture of Religious Traditionalism 4. Choosing Folkways 5. Managing Morality 6. Cultural Scuffles and Capitol Hill Appendix A: Elite Interview Information Appendix B: Variable Specification, Coding, and Description Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe Christian Right never ceases to surprise professional observers of American politics. With the Christian coalition in disarray, many expected that the movement would play less of a role in the 2004 elections. But when exit polls reported that "moral values" were the most commonly cited reason for presidential vote choice, pundits immediately proclaimed the importance of the "values vote." Yet the role of the Christian Right, of statewide referenda on same-sex marriage, and of religious mobilization remained the subject of debate. "The Values Campaign? The Christian Right and the 2004 Elections" reaches well beyond the instant analyses of the post-election period to provide an assessment of the role of the religious right in 2004. The contributors to this volume are among the leading scholars of religion and politics in the United States, and many have contributed for over a decade to ongoing discussions of the role played by the religious right in national elections. The authors consider national mobilization and issues, and also explore the role of the Christian Right in specific states. Their evaluations contend that the "values campaign" was not an aberration but a consistent pattern of national politics, and that moral traditionalism will likely continue to be a significant factor in future elections. A timely study of the 2004 elections, this volume will appeal to scholars and observers of electoral politics, state politics, and religion and politics.Trade ReviewThis is an excellent book that belongs on the shelf of anyone who wants to understand the role of religion in American politics. In particular, it would make an excellent addition to courses (both undergraduate and graduate) on the topic. Sociology of ReligionTable of ContentsList of Tables Part One: The Christian Right Movement in 2004IntroductionThe March Goes On: The Christian Right and the 2004 Values Campaign John C. Green, Mark J. Rozell, Clyde Wilcox 1. The "Values Vote"? Moral Issues and the 2004 ElectionsMark J. Rozell and Debasree Das Gupta 2. Agents of Value: Christian Rights Activists in 2004John C. Green, Kimberly Conger, and James L. Guth 3. Saving Marriage by Banning Marriage: The Christian Right Finds a New Issue in 2004Clyde Wilcox, Linda M. Merolla, and David Beer Part Two: The Key States in the 2004 Election 4. Ohio: The Bible and the Buckeye StateJohn C. Green 5. Michigan: A War on the Home Front?James M. Penning and Corwin E. Smidt 6. Iowa: In the Heart of Bush CountryKimberly H. Conger and Donald Racheter 7. Minnesota: Battleground Politics in a New SettingChristopher P. Gilbert 8. Florida: So Close and Yet So FarKenneth D. Wald, Richard K. Scher, Matthew DeSantis, and Susan Orr 9. Colorado: An Uphill ClimbCarin Larson 10. Oklahoma: A Battle of Good versus EvilShad B. Satterthwaite 11. California: Menage a Trois: The Christian Right, the Republican Party, and Arnold SchwarzeneggerJ. Christopher Soper and Joel S. Fetzer 12. South Carolina: Integration and Success?James L. Guth Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisA front-burner issue on the public policy agenda today is the increased use of partnerships between government and nongovernmental entities, including faith-based social service organizations. In the wake of President Bush's faith-based initiative, many are still wondering about the effectiveness of these faith-based organizations in providing services to those in need, and whether they provide better outcomes than more traditional government, secular nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. In Faith, Hope, and Jobs, Stephen V. Monsma and J. Christopher Soper study the effectiveness of 17 different welfare-to-work programs in Los Angeles County—a county in which the U.S. government spends 14% of its entire welfare budget—and offer groundbreaking insight into understanding what works and what doesn't. Monsma and Soper examine client assessment of the programs, their progress in developing attitudes and resources important for finding self-supporting employment, and their experience in finding actual employment. The study reveals that the clients of the more explicitly faith-based programs did best in gaining in social capital and were highly positive in evaluating the religious components of their programs. For-profit programs tended to do the best in terms of their clients finding employment. Overall, the religiously active respondents tended to experience better outcomes than those who were not religiously active but surprisingly, the religiously active and non-active tended to do equally well in faith-based programs. Faith, Hope, and Jobs concludes with three sets of concrete recommendations for public policymakers, social service program managers, and researchers.Trade ReviewProvides valuable resources for studies of the effectiveness of faith-based programs. it also provides useful advice for policy-makers concerning how to improve the effectiveness of welfare-to-work programs. Scholars of public policy and scholars of religion and politics will both benefit from the ground-breaking research presented in the book. * Politics and Religion *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Effectiveness Muddle 2. The Study 3. Client Evaluations of their Programs 4. Enabling Outcomes 5. Intermediate and Ultimate Outcomes 6. Observations and Recommendations Appendix A: The Questionnaire Survey Appendix B: The Survey Instruments Appendix C: The Faith-based/Segmented versus Faith-Based/Integrated Distinction

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Book SynopsisPresenting case studies from sixteen countries on five continents, The Catholic Church and the Nation-State paints a rich portrait of a complex and paradoxical institution whose political role has varied historically and geographically. In this integrated and synthetic collection of essays, outstanding scholars from the United States and abroad examine religious, diplomatic, and political actions—both admirable and regrettable—that shape our world. Kenneth R. Himes sets the context of the book by brilliantly describing the political influence of the church in the post-Vatican II era. There are many recent instances, the contributors assert, where the Church has acted as both a moral authority and a self-interested institution: in the United States it maintained unpopular moral positions on issues such as contraception and sexuality, yet at the same time it sought to cover up its own abuses; it was complicit in genocide in Rwanda but played an important role in ending the horrific civil war in Angola; and it has alternately embraced and suppressed nationalism by acting as the voice of resistance against communism in Poland, whereas in Chile it once supported opposition to Pinochet but now aligns with rightist parties. With an in-depth exploration of the five primary challenges facing the Church—theology and politics, secularization, the transition from serving as a nationalist voice of opposition, questions of justice, and accommodation to sometimes hostile civil authorities—this book will be of interest to scholars and students in religion and politics as well as Catholic Church clergy and laity. By demonstrating how national churches vary considerably in the emphasis of their teachings and in the scope and nature of their political involvement, the analyses presented in this volume engender a deeper understanding of the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the world.Trade ReviewThis book is a valuable part of the research and literature on the role of the church in contemporary society and politics. It is recommended for serious study and discussion among those in academic, religious and policy circles and is also an important read for anyone trying to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the church today. * Conscience *An excellent book that does what it sets out to do: give the reader a broader and yet in-depth understanding of the church's role in the political and transnational sphere. It is an excellent addition to theological and academic libraries. * Catholic Library World *Exactly how the Catholic Church relates to contemporary states and how these relationships vary over time and between countries are important questions for students of religion and politics. This book is one of the most significant recent contributions to a growing literature that addresses these issues in a truly comparative fashion. * Politics and Religion *Worthwhile reading for anyone interested in the myriad ways in which the Vatican interacts with governments and political parties throughout the world. * Historians of Women Religious of Britain and Ireland *Table of ContentsForeword: Faith and Culture in a Turbulent Age,Thomas Massaro, SJ, and James Morone Introduction: Theoretical Considerations on the Relationship between the Catholic Church and the Nation-State Part One: THE THEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL CHALLENGES OF THE VATICAN1. Vatican II and Contemporary PoliticsKenneth R. Himes, OFM2. The Vatican as a Transnational ActorLisa L. FerrariPart Two: THE CHALLENGES OF SECULARIZATION3. The Latin European Church: "Une Messe est Possible"Paul Christopher Manuel and Margaret MacLeish Mott4. The American Church: Of Being Catholic and AmericanTed G. Jelen5. The Chilean Church: Declining Hegemony?William Lies, CSC and Mary Fran T. MalonePart Three: THE CHALLENGE OF OPPOSITION6. The Polish Church: Catholic Hierarchy and Polish PoliticsTimothy A. Byrnes7. The Catholic Church in Ireland and Northern Ireland: Nationalism, Identity, and OppositionWilliam Crotty8. The East Timorese Church: From Oppression to LiberationAlynna J. LyonPart Four: THE CHALLENGE OF JUSTICE9. The Brazilian Church: Reintegrating Ontology and EpistemologyChristine A. Kearney10. The Rwandan Church: The Challenge of ReconciliationElisée Rutagambwa, SJ11. The Angolan Church: The Prophetic Tradition, Politics, and the StateLinda HeywoodPart Five: THE CHALLENGE OF ACCOMMODATION12. The Indian Church: Catholicism and Indian NationhoodMathew N. Schmalz13. The Chinese Catholic Church: Obstacles to ReconciliationLawrence C. Reardon14. The Congolese Church: Ecclesial Community within the Political CommunityYvon C. Elenga, SJAppendices A. Vatican Documents with Relevance to Church-State Issues B. Religious Concentration of the Countries Considered in this Volume C. Timeline of Significant Events in the Life of the Roman Catholic Church, 1800 to the Present D. World Values Survey: How Important Is Religion in Your Life? Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisToo often, say its critics, U.S. domestic policy is founded on ideology rather than evidence. Take "Charitable Choice": legislation enacted with the assumption that faith-based organizations can offer the best assistance to the needy at the lowest cost. The Charitable Choice provision of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act—buttressed by President Bush's Faith-Based Initiative of 2000—encouraged religious organizations, including congregations, to bid on government contracts to provide social services. But in neither year was data available to prove or disprove the effectiveness of such an approach. Charitable Choice at Work fills this gap with a comprehensive look at the evidence for and against faith-based initiatives. Sheila Suess Kennedy and Wolfgang Bielefeld review the movement's historical context along with legal analysis of constitutional concerns including privatization, federalism, and separation of church and state. Using both qualitative and, where possible, statistical data, the authors analyze the performance of job placement programs in three states with a representative range of religious, political, and demographic traits—Massachusetts, Indiana, and North Carolina. Throughout, they focus on measurable outcomes as they compare non-faith-based with faith-based organizations, nonprofits with for-profits, and the logistics of contracting before and after Charitable Choice. Among their findings: in states where such information is available, the composition of social service contractor pools has changed very little. Reflecting their varied political cultures, states have funded programs differently. Faith-based organizations have not been eager to seek government contracts, perhaps wary of additional legal restraints and reporting burdens. The authors conclude that faith-based organizations appear no more effective than secular organizations at government-funded social service provision, that there has been no dramatic change in the social welfare landscape since Charitable Choice, and that the constitutional concerns of its detractors may be valid. This empirical study penetrates the fog of the culture wars, moving past controversy over the role of religion in public life to offer pragmatic suggestions for policymakers and organizations who must decide how best to assist the needy.Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgments Part I: Setting the Stage1. Introduction and Background: A New Faith in Faith2. Asking the Right Questions Part II: What We Have Learned 3. The Implementation of Charitable Choice in the States4. The Role of Faith-Based Service Providers5. The Management of Faith-Based Service Providers6. Measuring Effectiveness7. Constitutional Concerns Part III: Summing Up8. Talking Past Each Other AppendixesA: Methodology and DataB: Survey Questions ReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisToo often, say its critics, U.S. domestic policy is founded on ideology rather than evidence. Take "Charitable Choice": legislation enacted with the assumption that faith-based organizations can offer the best assistance to the needy at the lowest cost. The Charitable Choice provision of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act - buttressed by President Bush's Faith-Based Initiative of 2000 - encouraged religious organizations, including congregations, to bid on government contracts to provide social services. But in neither year was data available to prove or disprove the effectiveness of such an approach. "Charitable Choice at Work" fills this gap with a comprehensive look at the evidence for and against faith-based initiatives. Sheila Suess Kennedy and Wolfgang Bielefeld review the movement's historical context along with legal analysis of constitutional concerns including privatization, federalism, and separation of church and state. Using both qualitative and, where possible, statistical data, the authors analyze the performance of job placement programs in three states with a representative range of religious, political, and demographic traits - Massachusetts, Indiana, and North Carolina. Throughout, they focus on measurable outcomes as they compare non-faith-based with faith-based organizations, nonprofits with for-profits, and the logistics of contracting before and after Charitable Choice. Among their findings: in states where such information is available, the composition of social service contractor pools has changed very little. Reflecting their varied political cultures, states have funded programs differently. Faith-based organizations have not been eager to seek government contracts, perhaps wary of additional legal restraints and reporting burdens. The authors conclude that faith-based organizations appear no more effective than secular organizations at government-funded social service provision, that there has been no dramatic change in the social welfare landscape since Charitable Choice, and that the constitutional concerns of its detractors may be valid. This empirical study penetrates the fog of the culture wars, moving past controversy over the role of religion in public life to offer pragmatic suggestions for policymakers and organizations who must decide how best to assist the needy.Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgments Part I: Setting the Stage1. Introduction and Background: A New Faith in Faith2. Asking the Right Questions Part II: What We Have Learned 3. The Implementation of Charitable Choice in the States4. The Role of Faith-Based Service Providers5. The Management of Faith-Based Service Providers6. Measuring Effectiveness7. Constitutional Concerns Part III: Summing Up8. Talking Past Each Other AppendixesA: Methodology and DataB: Survey Questions ReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisAs early as the sixteenth century the liberal democratic state has been forced to confront the question of religion in politics. The result has been a tense and uncomfortable balancing act. Today, in the public square of liberal democracy, a number of religious confessions and beliefs compete for attention. In the American experience, some sense of religious pluralism and relative social harmony has been maintained. However, for this relationship to prevail, a tension must continue to exist - one that balances the political and social pursuits of self-interest with meeting the objectives of the common good. In "Reaping the Whirlwind", John R. Pottenger shows how this process began in the modern world, and how societies attempt to manage this ongoing conflict. The first part of the book lays the groundwork of his analysis by using examples from history to demonstrate the genesis of political and religious "whirlwinds." It goes on to explore contemporary case studies, such as conflicts between Mormons and Evangelicals in the United States, liberation theology in Latin America, Islam and the state in Uzbekistan, and radical Christian reconstructionism. Pottenger believes that the formal institutions of liberal democracy should maintain this turbulence, even as religious activism threatens to upset the balance. He concludes by advocating religious liberty and recognizing the individual and social need for expression. At the same time, he maintains that the survival of liberal democracy requires that these religious traditions not dominate the public sphere.Table of ContentsIntroduction Part One : Religion and Politics 1. Mixing Religion and Politics: The Case of the Ten Commandments2. Religion, History, and Logic: The Genetic FallacyPart Two: The Foundation and Structure of the Modern State 3. Axes of History: Abandoning the Universal Christian Commonwealth4. The Religious Axis: Rationality, Conscience, and Liberty5. Constitutional Protection: America, Religious Liberty, and the Factual ImperativePart Three: Challengers to Liberal Democracy and the Religious Axis 6. Mormons vs. Evangelicals: Uneasy Coalitions in the Public Square7. Liberation Theology's Methodological Insurgency: Confronting Liberal Democracy8. Islam and the State: Modifying Liberal Democracy9. Christian Reconstructionism: Defying the Religious AxisPart Four: Conclusion 10. The End of Civil Society Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisDoes religion promote political mobilization? Are individuals motivated by their faith to focus on issues of social justice, personal morality, or both? What is the relationship between religious conviction and partisanship? And does religious identity reinforce or undermine other political identifications like race, ethnicity, and class? The answers to these questions are hardly monolithic, varying between and within major American religious groups. With an electoral climate increasingly shaped by issues of faith, values, and competing moral visions, it is both fascinating and essential to examine the religious and political currents within America's major religious traditions. J. Matthew Wilson and a group of prominent religion and politics scholars examine these topics and assess one question central to these issues: How does faith shape political action in America's diverse religious communities? "From Pews to Polling Places" seeks to cover a rich mosaic of religious and ethnic perspectives with considerable breadth by examining evangelical Christians, the religious left, Catholics, Mormons, African Americans, Latinos, Jews, and Muslims. Along with these groups, this book takes a unique look at the role of secular and antifundamentalist positions, adding an even wider outlook to these critical concerns. The contributors demonstrate how different theologies, histories, and social situations drive distinct conceptualizations of the relationship between religious and political life. At the same time, however, this book points to important commonalities across traditions that can inform our discussions on the impact of religion on political life. In emphasizing these similarities, the authors explore the challenges of political mobilization, partisanship, and the intersections of religion and ethnicity.Trade ReviewGeorgetown University Press has published another superb volume in its religion and politics series. Voice of ReasonTable of ContentsList of Figures and Tables Preface ONE Parties, Prayers, and Preachers: The Evolving Nature of Political and Religious MobilizationClyde Wilcox and Carin Robinson TWO Evangelical and Mainline Protestants at the Turn of the Millenium: Taking Stock and Looking ForwardCorwin E. SmidtTHREE Whither the Religious Left? Religiopolitical Progressivism in Twenty-First-Century AmericaLaura R. Olson FOUR The Political Behavior of American Catholics: Change and ContinuityStephen T. MockabeeFIVE Dry Kindling: A Political Profile of American MormonsDavid E. Campbell and J. Quin Monson SIX From Liberation to Mutual Fund: Political Consequences of Differing Conceptions of Christ in the African American ChurchMelissa Harris-Lacewell SEVEN Power in the Pews? Religious Diversity and Latino Political Attitudes and BehaviorsLouis DeSipio EIGHT The Evolution of Jewish Pluralism: Public Opinion and the Political Preferences of American JewsPaul A. Djupe NINE The Politics of American MuslimsPaul A. Djupe and John C. Green TEN Secularists, Antifundamentalists, and the New Religious Divide in the American ElectorateLouis Bolce and Gerald De Maio ELEVENReligion and American Political Life: A Look ForwardJ. Matthew Wilson ReferencesContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisNotions of Christian love, or charity, strongly shaped the political thought of John Winthrop, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln as each presided over a foundational moment in the development of American democracy. Matthew Holland examines how each figure interpreted and appropriated charity, revealing both the problems and possibilities of making it a political ideal. Holland first looks at early American literature and seminal speeches by Winthrop to show how the Puritan theology of this famed 17th century governor of the Massachusetts Colony (he who first envisioned America as a "City upon a Hill") galvanized an impressive sense of self-rule and a community of care in the early republic, even as its harsher aspects made something like Jefferson's "Enlightenment" faith in liberal democracy a welcome development. Holland then shows that between Jefferson's early rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and his First Inaugural Jefferson came to see some notion of charity as a necessary complement to modern political liberty. However, Holland argues, it was Lincoln and his ingenious blend of Puritan and democratic insights who best fulfilled the promise of this nation's "bonds of affection." With his recognition of the imperfections of both North and South, his humility in the face of God's judgment on the Civil War, and his insistence on "charity for all," including the defeated Confederacy, Lincoln personified the possibilities of religious love turned civic virtue. Weaving a rich tapestry of insights from political science and literature and American religious history and political theory, "Bonds of Affection" is a major contribution to the study of American political identity. Matthew Holland makes plain that civic charity, while commonly rejected as irrelevant or even harmful to political engagement, has been integral to our national character. This book includes the full texts of Winthrop's speech "A Model of Christian Charity"; Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration and his First Inaugural; and, Lincoln's Second Inaugural.Trade ReviewA book well worth reading, both in terms of its insights into American politics and as an example of how to read texts carefully. Politics and Religion A thoughtfully and carefully crafted book ... Holland's command of the literature and critical analysis of the texts are truly impressive. Library JournalTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Prologue: "Bonds of Affection"-Three Founding Moments Part One: Winthrop and America's Point of Departure Hawthorne's Suggestion 1 A Model of Christian Charity 2 Two Cities Upon a Hill Part Two: Jefferson and the Founding 1776-The Other Document 3 A Model of Natural Liberty 4 "To Close The Circle of our Felicities" Part Three: Lincoln and the Refounding of AmericaFrom Tom to Abe 5 "Hail Fall of Fury! Reign of Reason, All Hail!" 6 "This Nation Under God" 7 A Model of Civic Charity Conclusion: Bonds of Freedom Appendix A John Winthrop's "A Model of Christian Charity" Speech Appendix B Thomas Jefferson's "original Rough draught" of the Declaration of Independence Appendix C Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Appendix D Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisPromoting Islam as a defender of human rights is laden with difficulties. Advocates of human rights will readily point out numerous humanitarian failures carried out in the name of Islam. In "The Rights of God", Irene Oh looks at human rights and Islam as a religious issue rather than a political or legal one and draws on three revered Islamic scholars to offer a broad range of perspectives that challenge our assumptions about the role of religion in human rights. The theoretical shift from the conception of morality based in natural duty and law to one of rights has created tensions that hinder a fruitful exchange between human rights theorists and religious thinkers. Does the static identification of human rights with lists of specific rights, such as those found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, make sense given the cultural, historical, and religious diversity of the societies in which these rights are to be respected and implemented? In examining human rights issues of the contemporary Islamic world, Oh illustrates how the value of religious scholarship cannot be overestimated. Oh analyzes the commentaries of Abul A'la Maududi, Sayyid Qutb, and Abdolkarim Soroush - all prominent and often controversial Islamic thinkers - on the topics of political participation, religious toleration, and freedom of conscience. While Maududi and Qutb represent traditional Islam, and Soroush a more reform and Western-friendly approach, all three contend that Islam is indeed capable of accommodating and advocating human rights. Whereas disentangling politics and culture from religion is never easy, Oh shows that the attempt must be made in order to understand and overcome the historical obstacles that prevent genuine dialogue from taking place across religious and cultural boundaries.Trade Review"An important addition to the literature on comparative religious ethics and on Islam and human rights." --Sohail Hashmi, Mount Holyoke CollegeTable of ContentsIntroduction: Defining Dialogue 1 Conversations about Human Rights and Islam 2 Maududi, Qutb, and Soroush: Humanity and History 3 Envisioning Islamic Democracies 4 The Free Conscience: "No Compulsion in Religion" 5 Toleration ... and Its Limits Conclusion: Advancing Human Rights Dialogue Notes Glossary of Foreign Words and Phrases Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe roots of conservative Christian skepticism of international politics run deep. In this original work, Markku Ruotsila artfully unearths the historical and theological origins of evangelical Christian thought on modern-day international organizations and U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the fierce debates over the first truly international body - the League of Nations.After describing the rise of the Social Gospel movement that played a vital, foundational role in the movement toward a League of Nations, "The Origins of Christian Anti-Internationalism" examines the arguments and tactics that the most influential confessional Christian congregations in the United States - dispensational millenialists, Calvinists, Lutherans, and, to a lesser extent, Methodists, Episcopalians, and Christian Restorationists - used to undermine domestic support for the proposed international body. Ruotsila recounts how these groups learned to co-opt less religious-minded politicians and organizations that were likewise opposed to the very concept of international multilateralism.In closely analyzing how the evangelical movement successfully harnessed political activism to sway U.S. foreign policy, he traces a direct path from the successful battle against the League to the fundamentalist-modernist clashes of the 1920s and the present-day debate over America's role in the world. This exploration of why the United States ultimately rejected the League of Nations offers a lucid interpretation of the significant role that religion plays in U.S. policymaking both at home and abroad. Ruotsila's analysis will be of interest to scholars and practitioners of theology, religious studies, religion and politics, international relations, domestic policy, and U.S. and world history.Trade ReviewRuotsila has given us a superior study. It is refreshing to see church history treated with such sophistication. Journal of American History Ruotsila has done impressive research, immersing himself in unexplored original source material. He treats matters of faith respectfully with a seriousness not always found among scholars today. Politics and Religion A well-researched and adeptly argued book ... Ruotsila demonstrates yet again why scholars of religion and diplomatic historians should study together more often. In the key debate over U.S. entry into the League of Nations, won eventually by the naysayers, Ruotsila clearly shows the influence of conservative Christianity. Church HistoryTable of ContentsIntroduction: Christian Anti-Internationalism 1. The Social Gospel and Modern Internationalism 2. Dispensationalists: Prefiguring the Latter Days 3. Calvinists: Contesting the Public Means of Grace 4. Lutherans: The Two Kingdoms and the Antichrist 5. Methodists and Episcopalians: A Few Dissenting Voices 6. Religion and the League of Nations Fight in the Senate 7. Religion and the League for the Preservation of American Independence 8. The Persistence of Christian Anti-Internationalism Conclusion: Christian Anti-Internationalism in Historical Context Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe roots of conservative Christian skepticism of international politics run deep. In this original work, Markku Ruotsila artfully unearths the historical and theological origins of evangelical Christian thought on modern-day international organizations and U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the fierce debates over the first truly international body - the League of Nations.After describing the rise of the Social Gospel movement that played a vital, foundational role in the movement toward a League of Nations, "The Origins of Christian Anti-Internationalism" examines the arguments and tactics that the most influential confessional Christian congregations in the United States - dispensational millenialists, Calvinists, Lutherans, and, to a lesser extent, Methodists, Episcopalians, and Christian Restorationists - used to undermine domestic support for the proposed international body. Ruotsila recounts how these groups learned to co-opt less religious-minded politicians and organizations that were likewise opposed to the very concept of international multilateralism.In closely analyzing how the evangelical movement successfully harnessed political activism to sway U.S. foreign policy, he traces a direct path from the successful battle against the League to the fundamentalist-modernist clashes of the 1920s and the present-day debate over America's role in the world. This exploration of why the United States ultimately rejected the League of Nations offers a lucid interpretation of the significant role that religion plays in U.S. policymaking both at home and abroad. Ruotsila's analysis will be of interest to scholars and practitioners of theology, religious studies, religion and politics, international relations, domestic policy, and U.S. and world history.Trade ReviewRuotsila has given us a superior study. It is refreshing to see church history treated with such sophistication. Journal of American History Ruotsila has done impressive research, immersing himself in unexplored original source material. He treats matters of faith respectfully with a seriousness not always found among scholars today. Politics and Religion A well-researched and adeptly argued book ... Ruotsila demonstrates yet again why scholars of religion and diplomatic historians should study together more often. In the key debate over U.S. entry into the League of Nations, won eventually by the naysayers, Ruotsila clearly shows the influence of conservative Christianity. Church HistoryTable of ContentsIntroduction: Christian Anti-Internationalism 1. The Social Gospel and Modern Internationalism 2. Dispensationalists: Prefiguring the Latter Days 3. Calvinists: Contesting the Public Means of Grace 4. Lutherans: The Two Kingdoms and the Antichrist 5. Methodists and Episcopalians: A Few Dissenting Voices 6. Religion and the League of Nations Fight in the Senate 7. Religion and the League for the Preservation of American Independence 8. The Persistence of Christian Anti-Internationalism Conclusion: Christian Anti-Internationalism in Historical Context Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisCatholic political identity and engagement defy categorization. The complexities of political realities and the human nature of such institutions as church and government often produce a more fractured reality than the pure unity depicted in doctrine. Yet, in 2003 under the leadership of then-prefect Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI), the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a "Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life." The note explicitly asserts, "The Christian faith is an integral unity, and thus it is incoherent to isolate some particular element to the detriment of the whole of Catholic doctrine. A political commitment to a single isolated aspect of the Church's social doctrine does not exhaust one's responsibility toward the common good." "Catholics and Politics" takes up the political and theological significance of this "integral unity," the universal scope of Catholic concern that can make for strange political bedfellows, confound predictable voting patterns, and leave the church poised to critique narrowly partisan agendas across the spectrum. "Catholics and Politics" depicts the ambivalent character of Catholics' mainstream "arrival" in the U.S. over the past forty years, integrating social scientific, historical and moral accounts of persistent tensions between faith and power. Divided into four parts - Catholic Leaders in U.S. Politics; The Catholic Public; Catholics and the Federal Government; and International Policy and the Vatican - it describes the implications of Catholic universalism for voting patterns, international policymaking, and partisan alliances. This book reveals complex intersections of Catholicism and politics and the new opportunities for influence and risks of cooptation of political power produced by these shifts. Contributors include political scientists, ethicists, and theologians. This book will be of interest to scholars in political science, religious studies, and Christian ethics and all lay Catholics interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the tensions that can exist between church doctrine and partisan politics.Trade ReviewThis outstanding anthology of a dozen essays on Catholics in U.S. politics by political scientists fills a void in political science literature. Voice of Reason This readable and impressive collection advances the study of religion and politics by accomplishing, as does no other existing volume, such a thorough analysis of the behavioral patterns, constraints upon action, and possibilities for innovation that American Catholics and especially Catholic politicians face. Theological Studies Important addition to the discussion regarding the role of Catholics in American politics. American Catholic StudiesTable of ContentsIntroductionKristin E. Heyer and Mark J. RozellPart I: Catholic Leaders in U.S. Politics1. The Politics of the U.S. Catholic Bishops: The Centrality of AbortionMargaret Ross Sammon2. Political Marriage of Convenience? The Evolution of the Conservative Catholic-Evangelical Alliance in the Republican PartyMark J. Rozell3. One Church, Many Messages: The Politics of the U.S. Catholic ClergyGregory A. Smith 4. Catholics in the Political Arena: How Faith Should Inform Catholic Voters and PoliticiansKristin E. Heyer Part II: The Catholic Public 5. Between Church, Party, and Conscience: Protecting Life and Promoting Social Justice among U.S. CatholicsMark M. Gray and Mary E. Bendyna 6. The Myth of a Distinct Catholic VoteMatthew J. Streb and Brian Frederick 7. Politics y la Iglesia: Attitudes toward the Role of Religion in Politics among Latino CatholicsAdrian Pantoja, Matthew Barreto, and Richard Anderson Part III: Catholics and the Federal Government 8. Catholicism, Abortion, and the Emergence of the "Culture Wars" in the U.S. Congress, 1971-2006William V. D'Antonio, Steven A. Tuch and John Kenneth White 9. Catholics and the Supreme Court: From the "Catholic Seat" to the New MajorityBarbara A. Perry 10. White House Outreach to CatholicsThomas J. Carty Part IV: International Policy and the Vatican 11. The United States-Vatican Relationship: "Parallel Endeavors for Peace," Competing Visions of JusticePaul Christopher Manuel 12. Reforming the Vatican: The Tradition of Best PracticesThomas J. Reese

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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