Taskforce on Religion and Democracy in the U.S.

In recent decades, conservative evangelicals have become one of the most active groups in American politics. American Political Science Association (APSA) president Ira Katznelson has established a taskforce to explore what this political force means for American democracy. How is American society currently renegotiating the meanings of its traditional ideals of tolerance, pluralism, and the separation of church and state? The fifteen political scientists participating in the Taskforce on Religion and Democracy will meet three times and produce an edited volume based on their research. Katznelson has asked the taskforce to begin by examining whether Americans have become more politically polarized by religion, or whether divisions within religions between traditionalists and progressives are more accurate predictors of voting patterns than differences between religions.

The planned volume will explore the role of religion in contemporary American democracy from several vantage points. Frederick Harris (Columbia University) will discuss contemporary African American religion and politics, exploring tensions between older social gospel traditions and the emerging prosperity gospel which emphasizes individual improvement over community uplift. Nancy L. Rosenblum (Harvard University) will examine the role of illiberal, undemocratic religious organizations in democratic societies. James L. Gibson (Washington University at St. Louis) will clarify the relationship between religion and intolerance by analyzing survey data with measures of religious observance and perceptions of inter-group threat.