Religion and politics in the United States / Kenneth D. Wald

A secular society -- Religion and politics points of contact -- Religion and American political culture -- Religion and the state -- Religion and American public policy -- The religious dimensions of American political behavior -- The political mobilization of evangelical Protestants -- Continuity and change outside the evangelical camp -- Religion and American political life

The leading book in its field, "Religion and Politics in the United States" is a comprehensive guide to the political mobilization of religious organizations, their impact at the ballot box, and their influence on the framing of national agendas. Stressing the diversity of religion in the United States and its consequences for American political life, author Kenneth D. Wald argues that no one can fully understand how America governs itself without recognizing the profound influences of religion. The fourth edition is marked by a more systematic use of social movement literature than its previous editions. It also reflects the latest scholarship in the field and incorporates recent events and developments including: faith-based politics in the new Bush administration; the role of various religious groups in the 2000 elections; political controversies surrounding stem cell research, human cloning and school vouchers; and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the role that religion did and did not play.