Review by Choice Review
Although difficult to summarize, this densely argued work more than repays careful, detailed study. Weithman (Univ. of Notre Dame) argues vigorously against a widely accepted assumption that in a democratic society, it is illegitimate and counter to the common good for citizens and their churches to engage in politics. Although he is fully aware from history of the dangers of the political misuse of religion, he nevertheless uses arguments from both reasoning and empirical data to make his case. He says that, contrary to common assumptions, churches contribute to democracy when they educate and recruit citizens "who otherwise would not take part in the process of self-government, when they help equalize the resources needed for effective political participation and when they contribute to public political debate and civic argument." This impressive contribution to an important American cultural and political debate will benefit academics, political leaders, members of the clergy, and students of political science. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through practitioners. R. W. Rousseau University of Scranton
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
