God's Name in Vain: The Wrongs and Rights of Religion in Politics

This is the first non-fiction I've read by Stephen L. Carter, and im quite impressed with his ability to present his two major arguments and then amplify and thoroughly discuss them. I didn't find this compoletely persuasive, but there is a whole lot to chew on in his treatise. Read this with an open mind and I believe you will find the author one to respect and to listen to, but not to necessarily agree with all the way down the line. Morality is the key word throughout the book, and this is basically a study in morality, not theology, law, or politics.

Carter focuses on two issues: 1. To what extent should religion speak about political issues? Carter favors a broad reach for religion; because religion by definition covers every conceivable moral issue, there is no logical reason why political issues should be outside its reach. (And his excellent discussion of the religious element in the abolitionist movement shows that both religious involvement in American politics AND secularist criticism of same are nothing new). However, I wonder whether Carter's book would have been written differently since the rise of radical terrorist Islam. 2. Exactly how partisan should religion be? Carter argues that those who argue in the name of religion should be forever outsiders, lest they become coopted (and thus less radical and less truly religious) by being folded into a political coalition and thus making their allies' views more important than their own spiritual demands. Accordingly, religious leaders should try to avoid endorsing candidates (though Carter opposes legal restrictions on their right to do so). Carter uses an interesting Biblical example of how religious leaders should behave: rather than calling for new rulers in Israel, the prophets called on the existing kings to repent. (Of course, there are exceptions to this rule that Carter does not mention, e.g. Samuel anoiting King David). I found the latter discussion more interesting than the former. I wish Carter was a bit more attentive to the dangers of overpowerful religion, and that he was a bit stingier with generalities about "American culture." Liberal secularists are part of American culture- but so are conservatives who are happy to hear the latest pronouncements of James Dobson or other religious conservatives. Carter also devotes some space to legal issues, discussing the paradox of First Amendment religion doctrine: the purpose of the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses was in part to protect religion from the state- yet the clauses force the state to decide which religions it protects and accommodates, thus giving the state power over religion! This conundrum, however, has no perfect answer.

The author Stephen L. Carter uses both recent and distant historical evidence of religions interaction with politics to illustrate what he believes to be the "Wrongs and Rights of Religion in Politics", as in the name of his book. Carter goes on to show the negative effects to religion if it was to become intricatly involved in politics, as well as the negative effects on society if religion was to shun political interaction. Carter use compelling arguments that target the ethos of both political and religious groups during various levels of interaction. Carter is highly opinionated in his writing but seems to want to present the facts for the reader to base a decision off of then to try and persuade the reader; Carter just wants the reader to be informed. However, Carter does make his opinion very well known and does use facts to strongly back it up, but he still gives evidence to support the opposing view so that a comparison can be made by the reader. All-in-all, it was a very enlightening book to read that opened both my eyes and my mind to things in the world around me that I was blind to before.

In my opinion, our society will not progress without a better understanding of this subject. Carter's book is the best guide that I have found. Carter's religion undoubtedly influences his beliefs, but he diligently seeks the truth. This book is a must read for those who are interested in helping others more than themselves.

"Two things I don't talk about and that's Politics and Religion." Well, you can run, but you can't hide any longer if you read this book. You are talking about one or the other at any given time, either by your actions or your words. This is a great piece of work by Mr. Carter and is long over due for the American people. Action speaks louder than words is what this book brings to light for your individual and personal deliberation. It's startling, but true you'll admit once you see it as it's never been told before. The author reveals the underlying declaration and ramifications of what is actually being advocated and declared by political affiliates, their congregation, and the unavoidable threat that exist against the First Amendment. His insight pulls the cover off and exposes what many people try to avoid when they recite my opening quote above. He shows that you don't have to talk about your politics or religion because your politics is your religion and visa-versa. This is surely, without a doubt, a great piece of movie material. Which religion will ultimately win? "This is a must read for All America and the world."