Author(s): Sue E. S. Crawford (Editor), Laura R. Olson
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication Date: August 20, 2001
Language: English
Print length: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 9780801867040
ISBN-13: 9780801867040
Book Description
In 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
Editorial Reviews
Review
Addressing an understudied social phenomenon, these essays examine the political influence of American clergy on their congregations . . . The high quality of the field research and the extensive editorial work set benchmarks for further publication in this field. ―Religious Studies Review
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
Review
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
From the Publisher
“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 originalnew 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
About the Author
Sue E. S. Crawford is an assistant professor of political science and international studies at Creighton University.
Laura R. Olson is an assistant professor of political science at Clemson University. She is author or coauthor of Filled with the Spirit and Power: Protestant Clergy in Politics, The Religious Dimension of Political Behavior, and Religion and Politics in America.
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