The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution forbids the creation of an official state church; and we hear the phrase "separation of church and state" so frequently that it may surprise us to note that no such barrier exists between religion and politics. Religion is; and always has been; woven into the fabric of American political life. In the last two decades; however; the role of religion in politics has become more direct—almost a blunt; self-conscious force in the political process. The national consequences of this "diminishing divide" between religion and politics have brought new groups into politics; altered party coalitions; and influenced campaigns and election results. Churches and other religious institutions have become more actively engaged in the political process; and religious people have increased the level and broadened the range of their political participation. While the public is more accepting of the role of religion in shaping today's political landscape; the issue of how much political power certain religious groups enjoy continues to provoke concern.Drawing on extensive survey data from the Pew Research Center; the National Election Studies; and other sources; The Diminishing Divide illuminates the historical relationship between religion and politics in the United States and explores the ways in which religion will continue to alter the political landscape in the century before us. A historical overview of religion in U.S. politics sets the tone as the book examines the patchwork quilt of American religion and the changing role of religious institutions in American political life since the 1960s. The book explores the complex relations between religion and political attitudes; as well as that of religion and political behavior—particularly with respect to party affiliation and voting habits. Finally; The Diminishing Divide offers a look at the future. As candidates and elected officials increasingly air their personal faith in public places with apparent political intent; and as parishioners are marshaled into political action by clergy and political groups; the authors lay out the background against which religion's power in American political life will be played in the new century.
#3400046 in Books Syracuse University Press 2009-07-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.36 x .81 x 6.28l; 1.08 #File Name: 081560940X228 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An impressive recounting and analysis of the incidentBy Midwest Book ReviewOne of the critically important issues of contemporary American culture is the intersection of race relations and law enforcement. As an experienced mediator in the San Francisco Bay Area and founder of the Practitioners Research and Scholarship Institute; author Beth Roy brings a special expertise to the subject in "41 Shots...and Counting: What Amadou Diallo's Story Teaches Us about Policing; Race; and Justice". The title refers to an incident in which New York police officers shot 41 times killing a young West African immigrant in 1999 as he was returning to his home from his place of work. His dramatic death incited intense interest in the African-American community. When the police officers were acquitted of any criminal conduct in the affair; the judicial system was looked upon by many minority groups as a seriously flawed instrument of enforcing social justice; proper police procedure; and inflaming racial tension. Strongly recommended for community and academic library contemporary social issues collections and reading lists; "41 Shots...and Counting" is an impressive recounting and analysis of the incident and its aftermath for the courts; the community; and the police.
