Red State Religion: Faith and Politics in America's Heartland
Finalist for the 2013Christianity TodayAwards in Christianity and Culture"Robert Wuthnow, a brilliant sociologist of religion and himself a native of Kansas, gives us a careful sociological history of the intertwining of religion and politics in this quintessential red state. . . . In Wuthnow's nuanced and careful study, Kansans come across less as hayseeds or off-the-wall moralizers than as pragmatic conservatives, committed to traditional families and fiscal conservatism. They are skeptical of big government and dedicated to preserving simple and vital virtues. Wuthnow has penned a 'must read' book for those who would understand--and not just caricature--red state religion and how it intertwines with politics."--John A. Coleman,America"With the publication ofRed State Religion, we profit greatly from a majestically comprehensive account of Kansas' history. In turn, we get a truer story, one that inspires a less ideological reading of the state, perhaps freeing Kansans themselves from any notion of how they must think--or vote."--Alexander Heffner,Philadelphia Inquirer"[Red State Religion] thoughtfully and compassionately explores the rich and complex political and religious history of the place."--Rebecca Barrett-Fox,Christian Century"Red State Religionis a model of clarity and is surely one of the best books available on the intersection of religion and politics."--Al Menendez,Voice of Reason"Elegantly written, passionately argued, and deeply researched,Red State Religionchallenges our basic assumptions about the influence of the Religious Right in particular, and the role of religion in American politics more generally."--Andrew Preston,Journal of Ecclesiastical History"[Wuthnow] takes Kansas state conservatism seriously in grounding his conclusions in archival research rather than journalistic sensationalism."--Choice"Wuthnow does an excellent job tracing the development of religious institutions in the state."--James E. Sherow,Great Plains Research