For much of American history, evangelicalism was aligned with progressive political causes-the abolition of slavery, universal suffrage, and public education. But contemporary conservative activists have defaulted on this majestic legacy, embracing instead an agenda virtually indistinguishable from the Republican Party platform. How has evangelical Christianity become so entrenched in partisan politics? Randall Balmer, an evangelical Christian and a historian of American religion, deftly combines ethnographic research, theological reflections, and historical context to examine the nature of the Religious Right today-and offers a rallying cry for liberal Christians to reclaim the noble traditions of their faith.
