Under the Stained Glass Ceiling: Atheists' Precarious Place in Modern American Politics [Kindle Edition]

Paul Fidalgo (Author)

Book Description

Being atheistic defines what a person does not believe, but it may not sufficiently describe what one does. This is one of the central sticking points for atheists who hope to make their voices heard in American politics: deciding what those voices should be saying, and then, how best to say it.

For some nonbelieving Americans, the goal is simply to be left alone, free to refrain from worshiping any gods, and have religious Americans keep their supernaturalistic beliefs out of government. For others, there is a feeling that nonbelievers have been champing at the political bit for too long.

This book will explore atheists’ precarious place in American politics, both in terms of their potential for impact and the harsh realities of their station in American society. We will examine the oft-conflicting goals of the nonbelief movement and take a critical look at the dominant strategies for achieving those goals. And in the light of their failures and successes, their public image and their political potency, we will evaluate the prospects for atheism in electoral contests and for mainstream social acceptance. Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, and sensing a rare opportunity, atheist Americans are preparing to mark their territory in the political arena. As has always been the case, however, there is little consensus as to what victory looks like.

Product Details

• File Size: 287 KB
• Print Length: 139 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0072YXQEO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #506,477 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars very thoughtful analysis February 22, 2012

By snowy

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Paul Fidalgo's book was a pleasant surprise. It is a well thought consideration of the place of atheists in American life and politics. He neither advocates nor condemns atheists but is a careful analyzes social context in which that part of society exists.

I would be a good read for anyone who is interested in religion in America.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing and Important February 24, 2012

By Soylentopia

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Paul Fidalgo presents a detailed and important investigation into the reality of being atheist in the United States. In our nation "coming out" atheist can lead to social ostracism, loss of employment and even physical harm. There is "no religious test" for public office but in reality those are just empty words as anybody seeking election must prove how very religious (typically Christian) they are in order to be elected. Atheists are distrusted and disliked more than any other group (including Muslims and LGBT people) simply because they don't believe in gods. A must read for anybody interested in the realities atheists face in American society, particularly in the political realm.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for anyone interested whether atheist or religious. April 1, 2012

By S. E. Barry

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"For the nonbeliever, separation of church and state is obviously not about protecting religion from government; it is about protecting themselves from both." Paul Fidalgo

Paul Fidalgo's `Under the Glass Stained Ceiling: Atheists Precarious Place in Modern American Politics' is a great introduction to the place of atheists in American politics. Written as his Master's thesis at George Washington University in 2008, Fidalgo slightly revised it and added a preface for publication in early 2012.

Fidalgo describes the atheist's lack of political power and the overwhelming power of religion through the backdrop of the 2000, 2004 and 2008 presidential elections. This is illustrated by surveys, polls and statistics relating atheist's political affiliations and the attitudes of their fellow Americans towards them. He covers the potential awakening of atheists to become a political force and those that would stand in their way to intentionally or unintentionally marginalize them. `Under the Glass Stained Ceiling' describes the atheist activists as generally falling into two categories: the `policers' and the `instigators.' The `policers' attempt to correct overreaches by religion and perceived slights against the nontheistic via litigation and legislation. Fidalgo sees them as passionate, but not actually antagonistic towards religion. They have more of a "live and let live" mentality. The `instigators' are far more aggressive on a cultural scale. These are the so-called `New Atheists.' They (and I include myself in this group though I dislike the label) want religion up front and out in the open so it can be discussed, studied, critiqued, and criticized. There is an overview of the lack of open atheists in public office, save for a handful, and a discussion as to whether or not that would be beneficial to secularism. Frankly, and I know Fidalgo was including it to get all sides, but I do not understand how any secularist or non-theist could think it would be a bad thing for such people to hold office. I digress. The book also summarizes some examples of the `religion-baiting' that politicians use to rile up the religionist base and the potential backlashed that this could invoke. This is not limited to the Republicans on the right.

An added benefit of the book originating as an academic work is that does have a tone of neutrality. It doesn't paint any one side as sinister, but the realization that these disparate groups have quite a distance between each other. Fidalgo's style is brisk and easy to read (for a master's thesis this is no simple task) while providing useful statistics and quotes from various personalities along the spectrum.

It is by no means a comprehensive look at atheists and politics in America but it does not need to be and--I think--it is more useful this way. It is a useful introduction to atheists that may want to get involved; but have no idea where to begin or, quite frankly, what they are up against. I also think that it is useful for the `hardcore' atheists who are active in the movement and read large, dense books on a variety of topics. There are some points that I found new, interesting, and challenging and I definitely fall into Fidalgo's `instigator' category. Conversely, I feel as if it would be greatly beneficial for religious people (the type that may be so inclined) to read about their atheistic family, friends, neighbors place in America and why many atheists are becoming more open and outspoken. They may find some level of understanding or empathy as to why atheists take some of the stances that they do. `Under the Glass Stained Ceiling' does not discuss theology or "truth." It never gets itself mired in the minutia. It is an evenhanded overview of the reignited culture wars of the past decade as it pertains to the involvement and marginalization of atheists in politics. I hope he writes more on this subject to expand upon and update it.

More About the Author

I'm an actor, musician, writer, husband and father. After a about a decade as a professional actor, including five years with the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia, I earned a master's degree in political management from George Washington University in Washington, DC, and worked in various areas of national politics. I now live in Maine, where I am trying to figure out what the hell to do next. My blog is Near Earth Object (www.nearearthobject.net), and my original music is available for download right here at Amazon.