Religion, Politics, and Polarization: How Religiopolitical Conflict Is Changing Congress and American Democracy

by William V. D'Antonio, Steven A. Tuch, Josiah R. Baker

In Religion, Politics, and How Religiopolitical Conflict are Changing Congress and American Democracy, three esteemed scholars trace the confluence of religion and party in the U.S. Congress over time. Drawing on forty years of congressional roll call votes as well as public opinion survey data, the book argues that the ideologies of both the Democratic and Republican parties are grounded in religious values and beliefs that strongly influence the voting patterns of party members. The authors examine several issues of contemporary relevance as they trace the increasing polarization in Congress over time.--Maureen Fiedler, host of NPR's Interfaith Voices

172 pages, ebook

First published May 28, 2013