Religion, politics, and the American experience

"Chief among the essay topics are the evangelical roots of American political life; early conflicts between Enlightenment thinking and spiritual impulses in developing a national identity; the practical problems that today's politicians face in campaigning; the impact of constitutional and legal language regarding our definitions of religion; and the way the media's treatment of our spiritual life frames our perceptions of it. These thought-provoking essays will inspire readers to rethink, argue, perhaps act, but most important, to converse about this timely and important issue." "The volume will have wide cross-disciplinary appeal. Students and scholars of history, religious studies, and political science will find great value within its pages, as will scholars of divinity and law and members of the general public concerned with the intersection of faith and politics in American life."--BOOK JACKET.