Ongoing Debate: Religion and Politics

Newswise — The debate over former Supreme Court nominee Harriett Miers' religious beliefs has focused attention once again to questions concerning the role of religion in American politics. "Religion has always been a part of the American political culture," said UAB political scientist James D. Slack, Ph.D., who is writing a book examining theocentric moralism in the political community. "President James Madison called for a day of prayer during the War of 1812. President Lincoln consistently implored religious symbolism to calm the nation. Evangelicals began the debate over slavery. Religious leaders started the civil rights movement. Religion plays a central role in the values we bring into politics, more than what we want to admit. All sides in politics use it to their advantage."