Writing so as to be accessible and of interest to a general audience, Ryan (communication, U. of Houston) and Switzer (emeritus, communication and history, U. of Houston) analyze the role of Christian conservatism in American politics from the emergence of Protestant conservatism at the beginning of the 20th century through to the present. They explore how Protestant conservatism merged with ... Read morea larger conservative coalition that achieved astonishing electoral success at all levels of American government partly because of their ability to achieve a coalition of political interests, partly because of an emerging consensus about what constitutes the conservative mindset, and partly because of conservative success in using their ownership and influence over commercial and noncommercial media to disseminate their ideas and attitudes. They also argue that the conservative coalition has been fracturing in recent years and consider the impact that this might have on the Christian conservative voice in American politics.
Reference & Research Book News
. . . comprehensive, fascinating account of the ebb and flow of evangelical Christianity's influence on American political life. . . . Their treatment of this important, potentially controversial subject is appealingly balanced; the authors hand out both praise and criticism of Christian conservatives' political behavior and motives. This thorough, eminently readable survey of one of the most significant and interesting developments in American politics and culture since WW II is a welcome addition to the literature. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.
Choice
Show Less