Diminishing Divide: Religion's Changing Role in American Politics [Paperback]

Andrew Kohut (Author), John C. Green (Author), Scott Keeter (Author), Robert C. Toth (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 081575017X | ISBN-13: 978-0815750178 | Publication Date: April 6, 2000

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution forbids the creation of an official state church, and we hear the phrase " separation of church and state" so frequently that it may surprise us to note that no such barrier exists between religion and politics. Religion is, and always has been, woven into the fabric of American political life. In the last two decades, however, the role of religion in politics has become more directalmost a blunt, self-conscious force in the political process. The national consequences of this " diminishing divide" between religion and politics have brought new groups into politics, altered party coalitions, and influenced campaigns and election results. Churches and other religious institutions have become more actively engaged in the political process, and religious people have increased the level and broadened the range of their political participation. While the public is more accepting of the role of religion in shaping today's political landscape, the issue of how much political power certain religious groups enjoy continues to provoke concern.Drawing on extensive survey data from the Pew Research Center, the National Election Studies, and other sources, The Diminishing Divide illuminates the historical relationship between religion and politics in the United States and explores the ways in which religion will continue to alter the political landscape in the century before us. A historical overview of religion in U.S. politics sets the tone as the book examines the patchwork quilt of American religion and the changing role of religious institutions in American political life since the 1960s. The book explores the complex relationsbetween religion and political attitudes, as well as that of religion and political behaviorparticularly with respect to party affiliation and voting habits. Finally, The Diminishing Divide offers a look at the future. As candidates and elected officials increasingly air their personal faith in public places with apparent political intent, and as parishioners are marshaled into political action by clergy and political groups, the authors lay out the background against which religion's power in American political life will be played in the new century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This study starts with the premise that our proudly defendedprinciple separation of church and state has never dictated a strict division between religion and politics. The authors argue that faith plays a central role in the public sphere today, among conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats alike. Much of the book is devoted to quantitative analysis of what Americans think the appropriate role between the two spheres of life might be. The evidence suggests that they might be open--at least in principle--to the use of the state to advance a Christian politics. At times, the evidence as presented is subject to the usual complaints about religious polling: it is far from clear that the answers people give to a polltaker would in fact translate into support for using the state to safeguard Christian values, especially if those conflicted with the maintenance of a pluralistic society. Nonetheless, this treasure trove of information will surely come in handy for future students of the relationship between politics and faith. (Beliefnet, June 2000) -- From Beliefnet

About the Author

Andrew Kohut is director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. John C. Green is director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics and professor of political science at the University of Akron. Scott Keeter is professor and chair of public and international affairs at George Mason University. Robert C. Toth is a former national and foreign correspondent of the Los Angeles Times, and a senior associate of the Pew Research Center.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press (April 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081575017X
• ISBN-13: 978-0815750178
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,880,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)