Description
Book SynopsisWhy are white evangelicals the most skeptical major religious group in America regarding climate change? Previous scholarship has pointed to cognitive factors such as conservative politics, anti-science attitudes, aversion to big government, and theology. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork, The Gospel of Climate Skepticism reveals the extent to which climate skepticism and anti-environmentalism have in fact become embedded in the social world of many conservative evangelicals. Rejecting the common assumption that evangelicals' skepticism is simply a side effect of political or theological conservatism, the book further shows that between 2006 and 2015, leaders and pundits associated with the Christian Right widely promoted skepticism as the biblical position on climate change. The Gospel of Climate Skepticism offers a compelling portrait of how during a critical period of recent history, political and religious interests intersected to prevent evangelicals from offering a unified voice in support of legislative action to address climate change.
Trade Review"For those seeking to understand how religion matters to climate change, it is worthwhile to follow Veldman’s lead." * Immanent Frame *
"The book nicely caters to diverse audiences by defining social science concepts, providing background on theological debates and religious movements, all while steering clear of jargon and relegating cumbersome references to endnotes. . . .
The Gospel of Climate Skepticism will undoubtedly advance scholarship that maps the play of forces within evangelicalism." * Review of Religious Research *
