The Faith-Based Initiatives and the Bush Administration; The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly [Paperback]

Jo Renee Formicola (Author), Mary C. Segers (Author), Paul Weber (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0742523055 | ISBN-13: 978-0742523050

Designed to level the playing field between sacred and secular organizations, President George W. Bush's 'faith-based initiative' is intended to allow religious agencies to compete for federal funds to carry out their charitable missions. The initiative has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with a wide range of religious and secular organizations arguing both for and against the plan. Faith-Based Initiatives and the Bush Administration looks at the ramifications of the President's attempted policy change and analyzes the 'faith-based initiative' in its larger historical, political, and social context. Noted scholars Jo Renee Formicola, Mary C. Segers, and Paul Weber explore the rationale behind the policy, examine the legal and philosophical counter-arguments, and reveal the political dynamics impacting the legislation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The first comprehensive account of the rise and fall (and partial resurrection) of the Bush Faith-Based Initiative. A clear, concise, and balanced account. Much-needed. (Cochran, Clarke E. )

This work consists of several essays dealing with issues raised by President George W. Bush's proposal for 'faith-based initiatives' to supplement and/or replace government-operated welfare programs. Recommended. (Choice )

This book can bring the reader up to speed on the faith-based initiative's intellectual and political history. (Wilson Quarterly )

A good summary of the major arguments regarding this very important issue. (Political Science Quarterly )

This book offers a balanced analysis of the faith-based initiative. (Journal Of Rehabilitation Administration )

This volume is must reading for those who want to understand this curious invention of the Bush Administration--the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives. The authors are to be commended for presenting a detailed, balanced, and timely portrait of the administration's faith-based programs. A good read and a nice supplemental text for courses on religion and politics. (Rozell, Mark J. )

This book has been developed for those who are challenged by public policy and constitutional law. While much of the discussion reflects concern about the office of faith-based initiatives, it makes an effort to approach the topic from a balanced perspective. It is well written and recommended to readers who would continue to see the challenge of the policy, political, and human issues that swirl around this effort by the Bush administration. (Journal Of Church And State )

...The authors do provide the first detailed examination of the history of the Bush faith-based initiative. (Christ Today )

About the Author

Jo Renee Formicola is professor of political science at Seton Hall University and co-author, with Hubert Morken, of The Politics of School Choice and Religious Leaders and Faith-Based Politics. Mary C. Segers is professor of political science at Rutgers University. Her books include Piety, Politics, and Pluralism, A Wall of Seperation?, and Religion in Post-Communist Europe. Paul Weber is professor of political science at the University of Louisville and the author of Equal Separation and The Power of Ideas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (August 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742523055
• ISBN-13: 978-0742523050
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,382,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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