Representing God at the Statehouse

Reviews / Votes

This pioneering study provides the first in-depth analysis of religion and politics at the state level. Representing God at the Statehouse has a first-rate collection of case studies that illuminate the increasingly significant role of religion in state politics, while also providing important theoretical insights on the changing role of interest groups in American politics. -- J. Christopher Soper, Blanche E. Seaver Professor of Political Science, Pepperdine University Cleary and Hertzke fill a critical void in the literature of both religion and political science by looking at the diverse and growing religious lobbying at the state level. Pulling together top-tier scholars from around the country, they have shown the new strength of organized religion on a new front, and have made sense out of religions' expanding agendas and unique actions. -- Jo Renee Formicola, Professor of Political Science, Seton Hall University This volume constitutes the first systematic comparative study of religion and politics at the state level. The various scholars assess the growing influence and expanding activities of religious interest groups in nine key states. The study contributes useful information on an important topic in a fair and readable fashion. Recommended. * CHOICE * This fine collection of original essays tackles the efforts of religious groups to influence public policy at the state level-the very place where crucial decisions are made on topics ranging from marriage to schools. Representing God at the Statehouse takes a big step in filling a void in the literature. -- John C. Green, Senior Fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life