Description
Book SynopsisIn recent years, interest in religion and politics at the national level has surged while extensive activity at the state level has gone largely unnoticed. Yet, with state government budgets increasing exponentially over the past three decades, churches and religious organizations are focusing tremendous energy and resources toward influencing the ways states are spending their money and governing their populace. In this groundbreaking collection, Edward Cleary and Allen Hertzke bring together nine new essays that provide the first systematic, comparative view of religion and politics at the state level. These essays take an in-depth look at the pressing issues facing states across the nation and how religious lobbies and organizations are addressing them. By examining the responses of different denominations and their rationales for involvement, the contributors explore the enormous diversity of interests being represented at the state level. As highly controversial programs and laws continue to divide state governments, Representing God at the Statehouse provides an important look at the current state of religion and democracy.
Trade ReviewThis pioneering study provides the first in-depth analysis of religion and politics at the state level. Representing God at the Statehouse has a first-rate collection of case studies that illuminate the increasingly significant role of religion in state politics, while also providing important theoretical insights on the changing role of interest groups in American politics. -- J. Christopher Soper, Blanche E. Seaver Professor of Political Science, Pepperdine University
Cleary and Hertzke fill a critical void in the literature of both religion and political science by looking at the diverse and growing religious lobbying at the state level. Pulling together top-tier scholars from around the country, they have shown the new strength of organized religion on a new front, and have made sense out of religions' expanding agendas and unique actions. -- Jo Renee Formicola, Professor of Political Science, Seton Hall University
This volume constitutes the first systematic comparative study of religion and politics at the state level. The various scholars assess the growing influence and expanding activities of religious interest groups in nine key states. The study contributes useful information on an important topic in a fair and readable fashion. Recommended. * CHOICE *
This fine collection of original essays tackles the efforts of religious groups to influence public policy at the state level—the very place where crucial decisions are made on topics ranging from marriage to schools. Representing God at the Statehouse takes a big step in filling a void in the literature. -- John C. Green, Senior Fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Religious Advocacy in New Jersey Chapter 3 Massachusetts Political and Religious Culture Chapter 4 Religious Lobbying in Virginia: How Institutions Can Quiet Prophetic Voices Chapter 5 The Influence of Christian Conservatives in the Empire State of the South Chapter 6 Religious Advocacy in the Texas Legislature Chapter 7 Religious Group Advocacy in Michigan Politics Chapter 8 Religious Advocacy in the Wisconsin Statehouse Chapter 9 Religious Interest Group Activity in Utah State Government Chapter 10 The Lively World of California's Religion and Politics Chapter 11 Conclusion: Themes in Religious Advocacy
