Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewJohn Chandler is an essential, independent voice in the discussion of faith-based policy. This book is a must read for policy-makers, academics, and citizens. There is hope here for a future beyond our contemporary polarization. -- Jack Rogers, Professor of Theology Emeritus, San Francisco Theological Seminary
John Chandler’s Faith-Based Policy: A Litmus Test for Understanding Contemporary America, rather than condemning or praising, is devoted to showing how this policy development illumines the role of religion in American public life. This is an unusual and valuable addition to the small number of books on this important policy that now spans three administrations and both parties. His comments on the connection between faith and public affairs for President Obama are provocative. -- Stanley Carlson-Thies, Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance
One does not have to agree with all of the analyses and conclusions of Chandler to appreciate his skillful placing of 'faith-based initiatives' into their theoretical context. A must read for all students of faith-based organizations' evolving role in the public policy world. -- Stephen V. Monsma, The Henry Institute of Calvin College
Each of three consecutive U.S. Presidents, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, have initiated or expanded "faith-based" offices and programs. In this important, insightful, and engaging book, John Chandler adroitly describes, analyzes, and assesses the politics, policies, and personalities associated with this latest chapter in the history of church-state relations in America. Agree or not with Chandler's main ideas and interpretations, this is easily among the best, most erudite, and most even-handed books on the subject yet written. -- John J. DiIulio Jr., University of Pennsylvania, First Director of University of Pennsylvania, former First Director of White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives
[The author] offers insights into the development of charitable choice and other faith-based policies in the United States. His vantage point 'from afar' offers a helpful, critical distance from the inner workings of the policy process. . . .This book offers . . . important insights. * Journal of Church and State *
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Chapter 1: The Need to Know Chapter 2: Finding an Instrument of the Spirit - European Roots Chapter 3: The Roots Take Hold in the United States Chapter 4: The Context for Growth in the New Millennium Chapter 5: From Theory to Application – Conflicting Signals Chapter 6: Theory in Application - Conflicting Use of the Instruments Chapter 7: New Theory – Obama and Lessons from Life Chapter 8: New Theory – Obama, Niebuhr and Liberals Chapter 9: Theory in Application – A New Partnership with Americans? Chapter 10: Obama, Faith-Based Policy, and “the Center” Works Cited
