Description
Book SynopsisUsing an evidenced-based, social-scientific approach to religion, Kenneth D. Wald and Allison Calhoun-Brown challenge the perception that religious influence in American politics is a problem to be solved. Instead, they contend that religion is a form of social identification that not only shapes our ideas about politics, but it also shapes the behavior of political elites and ordinary citizens, the interpretation of public laws, and the development of government programs. Ultimately, the authors show how religion plays a fascinating and crucial role in our nation’s political process and in our culture at large. The eighth edition of Religion and Politics in the United States has been fully updated to include the latest scholarship and coverage of the 2016 presidential election. It also features a new discussion of the religious right, center, and left, as well as the impact of religion on the fight for equality based on gender and sexual orientation. Additional student resources include all new discussion questions and further readings at the end of each chapter, as well as a companion website featuring self-quizzes.
Trade ReviewI look forward to each new edition of this text. I have long recommended it to undergraduate and graduate students, and to colleagues who want to better understand the relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Now a classic has gotten even better, with expanded coverage of religion and gender politics, and the politics of sexual diversity. I recommend this highly to political scientists, sociologists, historians, and anyone interested in the myriad ways that politics and religion influence one another. -- Clyde Wilcox, professor of government, Georgetown University
This is a strong, accessible textbook for upper division religion and politics courses. The book may be used as a stand-alone text and complements supplementary material well including magazine articles, religious group websites and U.S. Supreme Court opinions. -- Terri Susan Fine, University of Central Florida
Long the standard by which other volumes on religion and politics are measured, this new edition continues to provide not only up-to-date coverage but an excellent breadth and depth of such coverage as well. -- Corwin E. Smidt, Calvin College
Table of Contents1. A Secular Society? 2. Religion in the American Context 3. Religion and American Political Culture 4. Religion and the State 5. Mobilizing Religious Interests 6. Religion and Political Action 7. Religion and Public Opinion 8. Religion and Conservative Political Mobilization 9. Religion and Centrist Political Mobilization 10. Religion and Liberal Political Mobilization 11. The Struggle for Minority Rights: Gender and Sexuality 12. Religion and American Political Life
