Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The religious divide in American politics; 2. Mobilization, capture, and misunderstood trends; 3. Representation and four forces that shape change among activists; 4. First force, the effect of being fruitful and multiplying; 5. Second force, the effect of voting early and often; 6. Third force, the effect of picking a side; 7. Fourth force, the effect of writing checks and knocking on doors; 8. 'Capture' revisited, representation, and religious activists; 9. Conclusion.

Promotional Information

This book argues that basic demographic forces are essential to understanding the rise of Evangelical Republicans and Secular Democrats.

About the Author

Ryan L. Claassen is Associate Professor of Political Science at Kent State University. His research investigates political engagement - especially the role of engagement shaping the capacity of individuals and groups of individuals in the American public to effectively contribute to public opinion and compete democratically. His work has appeared in American Politics Research, the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Political Research Quarterly, and Public Opinion Quarterly.

Reviews

'This thoughtful and empirically detailed study of religion and party activism takes us miles beyond simplistic commentaries about godly Republicans and godless Democrats.' Morris P. Fiorina, Stanford University, California

'Ryan Claassen's Godless Democrats and Pious Republicans? makes a major contribution to increasing our understanding of how religious divisions impact American party politics specifically and American society more generally. Rejecting oversimplified notions of party capture and mobilization, Claassen provides a nuanced and comprehensive account of how religion and politics have interacted during the last half century. It will force scholars to reconsider conventional thinking on this important topic.' Edward G. Carmines, Indiana University, Bloomington

'By exploring the social roots of secularization in the American electorate, Claassen provides fresh and original insights into the role and origins of religious divides in US party politics. This account deserves to be read by scholars of contemporary American elections and voting behavior, parties, and religion, while the broader lessons also shed light on the connections between religiosity and party politics elsewhere in the world.' Pippa Norris, Harvard University, Massachusetts and the University of Sydney

'In sum, Godless Democrats and Pious Republicans? is a valuable contribution in its own right, and represents a potentially important contribution to a long-running theoretical conversation in political science. For those of us who still take seriously the notion of 'scientific progress' in the social sciences, Claassen's effort merits our careful attention.' Ted G. Jelen, Perspectives on Politics

'Ryan Claassen wants to root out this mythology of the God gap and debunk conspiratorial explanations of its origins … Claassen finds convincing support for the representation-based approach, rather than the group mobilization perspective.' James L. Guth, The Christian Century

'Although many studies support the observation of an increasing religious divide, Claassen is the first to question whether the change is due to disproportionate mobilization … Students of religion and politics will be well advised to address the issues his fine monograph raises … Highly recommended.' T. Marchant-Shapiro, Choice

'Ryan Claassen's Godless Democrats and Pious Republicans? is a consequential work that serves as an important corrective to the overly simplistic understandings of religion and politics that many of us have accepted over the years … This is a book that should be on the shelf of every scholar of religion and politics. Moreover, it ought to be in our hands being devoured and digested.' Brad Lockerbie, Public Opinion Quarterly

'This book is a well-written and well-researched cautionary tale against taking the easy way out in analyzing religion and its role in American politics.' Paul Helmke, Contemporary Sociology

'Godless Democrats and Pious Republicans? is an important book that deserves to be read closely by scholars of religion and politics, parties, and voting behavior.' Stephen T. Mockabee, Politics and Religion