Description
Book SynopsisClergy are pillars of local religious communities, and Roman Catholic priests are perhaps the quintessential examples of pastors functioning as political elites. The political science literature demonstrates that priests (indeed, clergy more generally) are well-positioned to influence the faithful, even if this influence is somewhat inconsistent. At their core, priests are opinion leaders and representatives of their church to both the faithful and their local communities. But exactly how Catholic priests determine the political acts and attitudes associated with their elite role remains a puzzle. We suggest it is the product of an interactive institutional, social, and psychological milieu, the complexity of which has not been fully assessed in the extant literature. Though some might prefer to think of priests as profiles in courage operating above the political fray, the institutional and personal realities of priest life often forces them to deal with the political realm. In doing
Trade ReviewWhile we know a great deal about individual clergy members from a generation of study, we still know very little about their institutional constraints, the context in which they act, until now. The authors expertly navigate the complex environment of the Catholic Church across nations (for the first time) with creative data collection. This book, therefore, represents a phase change in the study of clergy; it is a true agenda setting work. -- Paul A. Djupe, Denison University
This book is a welcome and important addition to several literatures. The volume combines a rigorous and creative multimethod research design with a sophisticated understanding of Catholic doctrine and social teaching and a nuanced understanding of two distinctive political cultures. This work will serve as an invaluable resource for scholars working in several diverse theoretical traditions. -- Ted G. Jelen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
This volume advances the study of the role of religious leaders within political life. Employing a contextual, cross-national framework of analysis, adopting new theoretical frameworks, and utilizing multiple modes of methodological analysis (including survey research, ethnographic, and experimental modes of analysis), this endeavor breaks new ground in the study of the political roles of clergy. -- Corwin E. Smidt, Calvin College
Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Catholicism and Politics Chapter 2: Priests as Political Entrepreneurs of Varying Desire Chapter 3: Reflecting on Ministry and Politics Chapter 4: The Dynamics of Priest Cue Reliance Chapter 5: Cognitive Frames, Group Cues, and Priest Political Responses Chapter 6: Priest Discretion in the Field Chapter 7: Conclusions Notes References Index
