Religion and Congress: The Intersection of Faith and Politics

“Fills a notable gap in recent religion and politics scholarship by pointing us to the ways that religion matters for political elites, not just for the public at large, and for the ways in which the structure of the institutions themselves make space for public religious expression.” ―Brooklyn Walker, Congress & the Presidency “Leave[s] the reader with a better understanding of the complicated intersection of faith and legislative behavior.” ―Seth C. McKee, Perspectives on Politics “An important book…. The authors thoroughly describe the many intersections between faith and politics.” ―John Kenneth White, Catholic University of America “Timely and well-written…. Provides a very good understanding of Congress and religion.” ―Dennis W. Johnson, George Washington University The US Congress has long reflected the intersection of faith and politics, with religious convictions often informing legislative agendas. The authors of Religion and Congress examine that complex relationship, focusing on its historical foundations, contemporary congressional behavior, and policy outcomes. Drawing on both in-depth research and firsthand experience, they explore how religious beliefs and institutions have shaped―and continue to shape―US legislative politics. CONTENTS: The Religious Landscape of Congress―the Editors. HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS. The Founding Fathers and Religious Freedom―N.G. DiPucchio. A History of the House Chaplaincy―M.A. Wasniewski. The Evolution of the Senate Chaplaincy―D.S. Holt. RELIGION, POLITICS, AND POLICY. Catholic Senators and Abortion Politics: The Cases of Joe Biden and Ted Kennedy―T.J. Carty and J.J. Thomson. Religious Factionalism in the House―J.L. Guth. Evangelicals and Trump Loyalty in Congress―N.A. Mathew. Religious Lobbying on Capitol Hill―A.M. Cammisa. Faith and Foreign Policy―E.S. Hurd. RELIGION AND LIFE ON THE HILL. The Role of Guest Chaplains in the People's House―J.R. Straus and J.C. Nagel. Congressional Prayer and Bible Study Groups―G.C. McCarthy. CONCLUSION. Congress and Religion: A Lifetime of Tension and Coexistence―the Editors.