Review (PDF) God's Own Party: The Making Of The Christian Right
When the Christian Right burst onto the scene in the late 1970s, many political observers were shocked. But, as God's Own Party demonstrates, they shouldn't have been. The Christian Right goes back much farther than most journalists, political scientists, and historians realize. Relying on extensive archival and primary source research, Daniel K. Williams presents the first comprehensive history of the Christian Right, uncovering how evangelicals came to see the Republican Party as the vehicle through which they could reclaim America as a Christian nation. A fascinating and much-needed account of a key force in American politics, God's Own Party is the only full-scale analysis of the electoral shifts, cultural changes, and political activists at the movement's core--showing how the Christian Right redefined politics as we know it.
Paperback: 402 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press; Reprint edition (June 12, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0199929068
ISBN-13: 978-0199929061
Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.9 x 6.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #255,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #373 in Books > History > World > Religious > Religion, Politics & State #391 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Church & State #1588 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Religious Studies
This book explains that the rise of an effective American political base cannot and does not happen overnight. It requires thankless decades of behind-the-scenes grassroots mobilization and behind-the-scenes negotiations.As a liberal Democrat, I obviously disagree with many of the issues which the figureheads championed to rally their base supporters. I like the religious plurality which this country permits. I also want my GLBT friends to be able to marry and serve in the military without fear of persecution.But I do respect the discipline which the GOP possess to keep these 'troops' working together in coalition blocks. Obviously realizing that they were not going to win everything in one candidate/election, the organizations and people of the Christian right intentionally then decided to go with the campaign who would provide the best arrangement for their immediate needs.Apparently 'test driving' the 'honest' Jimmy Carter (yes, in the Democratic Party) the New Right experienced their first national success through the 1980 election of Ronald Reagan, who won through the courting of both free-market conservatives and social conservatives. And the 2000 campaign of George W. Bush further illustrated that the New Right's 'kingmaker' influence genuinely was inside the GOP.Therefore, this book is less of a championing of the Christian Right. It is more of a scholarly/objective analysis of how to win elections--and reshape the American political system through the strategic alliances. It would even be essential reading for several of my colleagues. We could capture grassroots loyalties of our own through studying their techniques.
Wow! A history of hope, a history of despair. A history of victory, a history of defeat. A story of people with character rising up in great courage and conviction, and a story of people with few principles giving up and giving in. And as these histories and stories occur on both the political and religious sides, Daniel K. Williams writes a remarkable, well-documented narrative of the birth and rise of Christian involvement in politics in the 20th and 21st centuries in America.Showing a mastery of historical facts in the political realm and even being able to distinguish between a fundamentalist and an evangelical in the Christian realm, Williams is clearly qualified to write about this subject with authority. And along with that authority he brings an amazing writing ability to continually engage the reader.Regardless of your views of the Democratic or Republican party (or even if you have a distaste for a two-party system), this book will certainly educate you on American history with regards to Christian fundamentalism, Evangelicalism, and the political strategies employed by both Democrats and Republicans as they begin to recognize the importance of the Christian vote in today's America.Some things in this book you may already know. Some things are sure to surprise you! Either way, Williams well articulates to all whether for good or for ill how the Grand Old Party became "God's Own Party" as the majority of born-again Christians have at some point (whether out of conscious choice or out of necessity) adopted the Republican party as their own, and how the Republican party (whether out of conscious choice or out of necessity) has adopted the "Christian Right" as their own(!).Whatever the case, this is a compelling read for understanding the issue, and it deserves to be read by all those interested in this fascinating subject.
Format: Hardcover God's Own Party by Daniel K Williams. An in-depth study into the evolution of Fundamentalist Christianity in American politics and eventually the GOP. The author has done his homework, some I have read in other books and heard about from other sources. But, none quite so thorough in its scope. One of the best books I have read recently on the subject. From the beginnings in the 1920's to its present day intrusion into social issues (I like many other people, didn't realize it went that far back). I personally do not believe religion has any place in politics especially in a party's platform. We are to diverse as a nation these days with far too many differing religions. We are also a secular nation where all religions are welcome. The Republican Party represents only one small faction of the country. I was raised to believe the Separation of Church and State was sacrosanct, if you didn't believe in it you didn't believe in the Constitution or anything connected with it. I believe religious people have a right to vote, to run for office and even have their voices heard in the public forum. But, that's where the line is in the sand. Anything beyond there is a violation of the constitution. When they take over a political party and make it to where it only reflects their myopic views. That is when they have gone way too far. As far as I am concerned religion in politics to many times has a disastrous effect. It corrupts both government and religion, as can be witnessed today. It turns a lot of us completely off and leaves a sour taste in our mouth. So if you are interested in how the idea began to take shape and grow to where it's become a monster devouring us. This is the book for you. I can't rate it any higher than five stars. I haven't read another book like it. It answered all of my lingering questions about the Religious Right in the GOP.
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