Christian Clergy in American Politics

This rich and diverse set of case studies clearly achieves the authors' goal of analyzing the political choices made by clergy and understanding the consequences of these choices. Christian Clergy in American Politics moves the field of clergy and politics forward in new and fruitful directions. Much of what is here is quite original-new data for analysis of clergy choices and consequences; new denominations that have not been previously considered in the political science literature; new methodological approaches; and a new overarching framework that makes a great deal of sense both substantively and in terms of the book's organization. -- Christopher Gilbert, Gustavus Adolphus College

Sawyer, Iowa State University; Corwin E. Smidt, Calvin CollegeIn recent decades, Christian clergy have ever more frequently had to decide whether to become involved in politics. When they do become involved, their influence can be substantial. In this book Sue E. S. Crawford, Laura R. Olson, and their coauthors explore the political choices clergy make and the consequences of these choices. Drawing on personal interviews and statistical data to place the actions of clergy in both their religious and secular contexts, the authors study mainline and evangelical Protestant, Catholic, and Mennonite communities. They examine the role of white, African American, and female religious leaders. And they address issues of local development, city government, and national and international politics. Contributors: Christi J. Braun, Boston University School of Law * Timothy A. Byrnes, Colgate University * James C. Cavendish, University of South Florida * Sue E. S. Crawford, Creighton University * Katie Day, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia * Melissa M. Deckman, Washington College * Paul A. Djupe, Denison University * Joel S. Fetzer, Central Michigan University * James L. Guth, Furman University * Ted G. Jelen, University of Nevada-Las Vegas * Laura R. Olson, Clemson University * James M. Penning, Calvin College * Mary R. Sawyer, Iowa State University * Corwin E. Smidt, Calvin College