"Addresses some of the most important issues in US politics—tolerance, polarization, political violence. Miles offers a fresh and hopeful take while building on a historical framework."—Brooklyn Walker, Hutchinson Community College

"A valuable contribution that challenges prevailing narratives about religious decline." —Rebecca A. Glazier, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The teachings of most religions typically promote unity and love, yet those same religions often contribute to divisiveness, and even violence, in US politics. Addressing this apparent contradiction, Matthew Miles offers an original way to conceptualize and measure religiousness. The results of his research, based on extensive national survey data, have intriguing implications for the potential role of religion in supporting political tolerance and democratic values.

CONTENTS: Rethinking Religion's Role in US Politics.The Fruits of Faith.Political Divisions.Christian Nationalism.Political Tolerance.Democracy in Crisis.The Potential for Positive Outcomes.A Deeper Dive: Original Datasets.