The Future of Faith in American Politics

David Gushee argues convincingly that there is in U.S. politics an "evangelical center" of voters who do not identify with the politics and religion of either the right or the left. Although evangelical Christians are portrayed by the media as conservatives, Gushee claims that the evangelical movement includes nearly even numbers of voters on the right, in the center, and on the left of the political spectrum. He provides portraits of the major figures in each of the three camps, outlines the core convictions of the adherents, and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each group's positions. He suggests that the evangelical center is poised for growth; this book could be its manifesto.

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Part I - Evangelicals and Public Life: Across the Spectrum

1. Clearing the Ground

2. The Evangelical Right

3. The Evangelical Left

4. The Emerging Evangelical Center

Part II - Finding the Center: Key Issues for Evangelical Public Engagement

5. Torture and Human Rights

6. Marriage and the Law

7. Creation Care and the Climate Change Debate

8. Evangelicals and War

Conclusion: A Way Ahead for Evangelicals and American Culture

Appppendices

1. "For the Health of the Nation"

2. An Analysis of "For the Health of the Nation"

3. "An Evangelical Declaration against Torture"

4. How to Read "An Evangelical Declaration against Torture"

5. Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action

6. "An Urgent Call to Action"

7. Rules for Evangelical Politics

Notes

Further Reading

Index of Names and Terms

Subject Index