The Religious Right & American Politics

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Timely and unbiased, this new fourth edition explores the influence of religion on legislation and society, while examining the alignment of the religious right with the political right. From the fight to outlaw the teaching of Darwin’s theory of evolution to the current debate about abortion rights and gay and lesbian rights, the religious right is continually exerting an influence on public policy. This volume offers a critical historical survey of the religious right movement, focusing on its increased involvement in the political arena, attempts to forge coalitions, and notable successes and failures.

This fourth edition offers expanded coverage, several new features and an extensive update to all sections:

Introductory Essay: “The Emergence and Development of the Religious Right in America”
Chronology from 1835 and completely updated through 2019
Biographical Sketches feature nearly 60 leaders of the religious right movement, from William Jennings Bryan to Paula White, many with photos
The Religious Right & Science
Electoral Politics & Voting
Cultural Issues
Economic Issues
American Foreign Policy

The back matter of The Religious Right and American Politics includes a comprehensive Glossary, and the following four Appendices:

Primary Source Documents includes articles, most reprinted in their entirely, from prominent sources, legislation, and other documents that illustrate both public and legal opinion as they pertain to the religious right.
Suggested Readings includes more than 300 works, divided into three sections: Works About the Religious Right; Science and the Religious Right; and Works From the Religious Right. Each section is further separated into relevant categories, including Biographies, Religious Studies, Personal and Family Topics, and Millenarianism.
Multimedia Resources includes more than 75 DVDs, CDs, YouTube videos and more, on topics that range from “America and the Coming Mideast Wars” to “The Young Age of Earth.”
Directory of Organizations includes over 50 listings of organizations that both support and oppose the religious right.

Following the Appendices, a detailed Index ends the work.

Comprehensive in its scope, this work offers easy-to-read, pertinent information for those seeking to understand the religious right and its evolving role in American society. This new edition is a must for libraries of all sizes, university religion departments, activists, high schools and for those interested in this fascinating and timely subject.