The Political Influence of Churches (Cambridge Studies in Social Theory, Religion and Politics)
Cambridge University Press, 4/2/2009
EAN 9780521692199, ISBN10: 0521692199
Paperback, 294 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm
Language: English
Djupe and Gilbert investigate the political influence of church and how membership in organized religious bodies shapes the political life of members. Djupe and Gilbert's goal in this inquiry is to re-center scholarly attention on the voluntary association as an essential element of American civic and political life. They develop a theoretical framework that captures the multifaceted elements of church life that affect individual political attitudes and actions. Political information from clergy, small groups, and social networks flows plentifully in churches, but individuals process that information differently depending on their motivations related to their status in the church. Articulating a more fully specified model of how associations expose individuals to political information and norms will help us understand the political opinions and behavior of citizens and the contribution of that pattern to sustaining democracy.
1. A theory of religious influence on political behavior
2. Social networks and church structure
congregations, small groups, informal contacts
3. Clergy influences and religious commitment reconsidered
reconciling old and new influences on political behavior
4. Church-centered influences on public opinion
5. The resourceful believer
generating civic skills in church
6. The construction of political mobilization in churches
7. Present but not accounted for
churches, institutional treatment, and gender differences in civic resources
8. Conclusion.