Who are the politically active evangelicals? Where do they live and how are they affecting American politics? Estimated at one-fourth of the electorate, evangelicals are gradually extending their control over the Republican party and pressing their conservative political views in Congress. If successful, their actions in federal, state, and local elections could have profound consequences for all Americans. In this breakthrough book, veteran political analyst Albert J Menendez profiles contemporary evangelical groups, revealing the issues and social/political concerns that animate such diverse sects as Southern Baptists and Midwestern Lutherans, Dutch Reformed Christians and Mennonites, as well as evangelical subcultures within the Catholic and Jewish faiths.Despite their differences, all evangelicals share certain fundamental religious, cultural, and political values which could unite them in a major organised effort to change forever the national political landscape. Looking at why the Republican party seems most receptive to evangelicals, Menendez assesses the religious base of support for both major parties. This is a thorough study of the growing power these groups wield when they step into the voting booth. It includes a detailed survey of recent election results, census data, religious membership surveys, public opinion polling data, a review of the scholarly literature of the past two decades, and more. Packed with fascinating facts and figures available in no other single source, this volume is sure to be an indispensable resource.
