Introduction

This text addresses whether and how religion and religious institutions affect American politics. For some time, analysts have argued that the conflicts of the New Deal era rendered cultural differences trivial and placed economic interests at the top of the political agenda. The authors and their collaborators - John C. Green, James L. Guth, Ted G. Jelen, Corwin E. Smidt, Kenneth D. Wald, Michael R. Welch, and Clyde Wilcox - disagree. They find that religious worldviews are still insinuated in American political institutions, and religious institutions still are points of reference.

Research and Methodology

The book profits from the new religiosity measures employed in the 1990 National Election Studies.

Part I: The Study of Religion and Politics

Part 1 discusses the study of religion in the context of politics.

Part II: Religion as a Source of Group Orientation

Part II examines religion as a source of group orientation.

Part III: Religious Practices and Political Ramifications

Part III takes up religious practices and their political ramifications.

Part IV: Doctrinal and Worldview Considerations

Part IV does the same for doctrinal and worldview considerations.

Part V: Sources of Religious Socialisation

Part V explores the sources of religious socialisation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Part VI reviews the research on religion and political behaviour and looks ahead to where work should proceed.