The latest from reporter and author Dionne (Why Americans Hate Politics
) is a highly worthy alternative to polarizing arguments regarding religion, whether pro or con (“neo-atheist” tracts like Christopher Hitchens's God Is Not Great
). It's also a smart rebuke of those who would divert the faithful with a narrow set of “values” rather than viewing religion in a broader political context. Declaring that “the era of the religious Right is over,” Dionne looks to history, tradition, teachers and texts (including recent religious scholarship) to reassert both progressive and conservative views on how religion can play a legitimate role in matters of economics, social justice and morality. Dionne explodes the myth that George W. Bush was elected by evangelicals (he says gains among moderates were far more important); demonstrates the absurdity and unfortunate consequences of restricting religious political concerns to abortion and gay marriage (though he fully explores both); and examines the fate of governmental faith-based initiatives past and present. Along the way, Dionne considers the current crop of presidential candidates and provides a stinging analysis of the president and Congress's intervention in the Terri Schiavo case. Rousing and wry, Dionne's sensible voice makes a powerful case for broadening religious vision and visibility in the public square. (Feb. 27)
