Representing God at the Statehouse
Religion and Politics in the American States
Published on 3. November 2005
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-7425-3438-4 (ISBN)
Description
In recent years, interest in religion and politics at the national level has surged while extensive activity at the state level has gone largely unnoticed. Yet, with state government budgets increasing exponentially over the past three decades, churches and religious organizations are focusing tremendous energy and resources toward influencing the ways states are spending their money and governing their populace.
In this groundbreaking collection, Edward Cleary and Allen Hertzke bring together nine new essays that provide the first systematic, comparative view of religion and politics at the state level. These essays take an in-depth look at the pressing issues facing states across the nation and how religious lobbies and organizations are addressing them. By examining the responses of different denominations and their rationales for involvement, the contributors explore the enormous diversity of interests being represented at the state level. As highly controversial programs and laws continue to divide state governments, Representing God at the Statehouse provides an important look at the current state of religion and democracy.
In this groundbreaking collection, Edward Cleary and Allen Hertzke bring together nine new essays that provide the first systematic, comparative view of religion and politics at the state level. These essays take an in-depth look at the pressing issues facing states across the nation and how religious lobbies and organizations are addressing them. By examining the responses of different denominations and their rationales for involvement, the contributors explore the enormous diversity of interests being represented at the state level. As highly controversial programs and laws continue to divide state governments, Representing God at the Statehouse provides an important look at the current state of religion and democracy.
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 Reviews * 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 LifeMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
437 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7425-3438-4 (9780742534384)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Edward L. Cleary is professor of political science at Providence College. Allen D. Hertzke is professor of political science and director of religious studies at the University of Oklahoma.
Content
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Religious Advocacy in New Jersey
Chapter 3 Massachusetts Political and Religious Culture
Chapter 4 Religious Lobbying in Virginia: How Institutions Can Quiet Prophetic Voices
Chapter 5 The Influence of Christian Conservatives in the Empire State of the South
Chapter 6 Religious Advocacy in the Texas Legislature
Chapter 7 Religious Group Advocacy in Michigan Politics
Chapter 8 Religious Advocacy in the Wisconsin Statehouse
Chapter 9 Religious Interest Group Activity in Utah State Government
Chapter 10 The Lively World of California's Religion and Politics
Chapter 11 Conclusion: Themes in Religious Advocacy
Chapter 2 Religious Advocacy in New Jersey
Chapter 3 Massachusetts Political and Religious Culture
Chapter 4 Religious Lobbying in Virginia: How Institutions Can Quiet Prophetic Voices
Chapter 5 The Influence of Christian Conservatives in the Empire State of the South
Chapter 6 Religious Advocacy in the Texas Legislature
Chapter 7 Religious Group Advocacy in Michigan Politics
Chapter 8 Religious Advocacy in the Wisconsin Statehouse
Chapter 9 Religious Interest Group Activity in Utah State Government
Chapter 10 The Lively World of California's Religion and Politics
Chapter 11 Conclusion: Themes in Religious Advocacy