Piety, Politics, and Pluralism: Religion, the Courts, and the 2000 Election

by Mary C. Segers (Editor), George E. Garvey (Contribution by), Bette Novitt Evans (Contribution by), Ted G. Jelen University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Contribution by), Clyde Wilcox (Contribution by)

Overview

Piety, Politics, and Pluralism skillfully confronts the question: Is liberal democracy hostile to religion or is it compatible with the rights of believers? Prominent scholars analyze the controversy about religious freedom by examining two areas at the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary American society: the Supreme Court's 1990 decision in Oregon v. Smith and the events of the 2000 presidential campaign. Their essays remind us that in an increasingly pluralistic society, Americans must work continually to reconcile religious commitment and political obligation. Piety, Politics, and Pluralism is a groundbreaking work that will be indispensable to students of religion and politics, American politics, and constitutional law.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781461640899
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/20/2002
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	264
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Mary C. Segers is professor of political science at Rutgers University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Religion and Liberal Democracy: An American Perspective
Part 2 The Role of Religion in the 2000 Presidential Election
Chapter 3 The Extraordinary Election of 2000
Chapter 4 Bush vs. Gore: Judicial Activism, Conservative Style
Chapter 5 The Christian Right in the 2000 GOP Presidential Campaign
Chapter 6 Catholics and the 2000 Presidential Election: Bob Jones University and the Catholic Vote
Chapter 7 Stealth Politics: Religious and Moral Issues in the 2000 Election
Chapter 8 A Historic First: The Lieberman Nomination
Part 9 Religious Liberty in a Pluralistic Society: The Smith Case
Chapter 10 Evolving Standards under the Free Exercise Clause: Neutrality or Accomodation?
Chapter 11 The Constitutional Context of Religious Liberty in the United States
Chapter 12 Political Culture, Political Structure, and Political Conflict: The Persistence of Church-State Conflict in the United States
Chapter 13 Public Attitudes on Church and State: Coexistence or Conflict?

Editorial Reviews

Eleven essays, presented by Segers (political science, Rutgers U.) examine the ongoing tension in American society between religion and the state through discussions of two historical events. The first group of essays look at the role of religion in the 2000 presidential election, examining questions of religious rhetoric in campaigns, whether religion should be brought to bear in making policy, and whether candidates should discuss their religious beliefs in order to prove their moral qualifications for office. Later essays examine the ramifications of the 1990 Supreme Court case , in which two Native Americans were denied unemployment benefits after being fired for the religious consumption of peyote. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

This volume provides exceptional insight into two separate but equally significant phenomena that characterize the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States. The volume is timely in its focus on the role played by religion in the 2000 presidential election, and it is enduring in its emphasis on the debate over the limits of American religious freedom. The authors present lively, accessible arguments that should stimulate students and scholars alike.

Laura R. Olson

Piety, Politics, and Pluralism is an excellent volume and makes a major contribution to the scholarship on the election of 2000.

Jo Renee Formicola

Recommended for genereal readers and upper-division undergraduates and above.

Choice Reviews

This outstanding collection sheds new light on both the role of religion in the 2000 presidential election and on broader issues of church and state. It makes a significant contribution to the literature on religion and politics in contemporary American society.

James M. Penning

The careful reader will gain an increased understanding and appreciation for the multifaceted context in which religion and politics interwine in politics, public policy and public discourse, and benefit from the discussions provided by established names in the field.

Political Studies Review

Newcomers to the growing literature on religion in American politics will find much useful information and argumentation in this volume.

Perspectives on Politics

Piety, Politics, and Pluralism is an excellent introduction to the American experience of religion in electoral politics and the courts. A rich blend of theory, description, and empirical evidence, the book is particularly strong on the 2000 presidential election.

Clarke E. Cochran

Recommended for genereal readers and upper-division undergraduates and above.

Choice

Recommended for genereal readers and upper-division undergraduates and above.

CHOICE

This outstanding collection sheds new light on both the role of religion in the 2000 presidential election and on broader issues of church and state. It makes a significant contribution to the literature on religion and politics in contemporary American society.--James M. Penning, Calvin College

This volume provides exceptional insight into two separate but equally significant phenomena that characterize the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States. The volume is timely in its focus on the role played by religion in the 2000 presidential election, and it is enduring in its emphasis on the debate over the limits of American religious freedom. The authors present lively, accessible arguments that should stimulate students and scholars alike.--Laura R. Olson, Clemson University

Piety, Politics, and Pluralism is an excellent introduction to the American experience of religion in electoral politics and the courts. A rich blend of theory, description, and empirical evidence, the book is particularly strong on the 2000 presidential election.--Clarke E. Cochran, Texas Tech University

From the Publisher