This provocative book opens with a debate between former Governor Mario Cuomo (NY) and Congressman Mark Souder (IN), who discuss the relationship between their faith convictions and their careers as public servants. This discussion prompted commentary by a diverse group of public leaders similarly engaged in the religious and political realms.

A product of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, this text presents a collection of essays debating the role of religion in American politics. The text is anchored upon a pair of opposing essays by former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, a liberal Catholic, and Indiana Congressman Marc Souder, a conservative evangelical. After these two essays Souder and Cuomo, with others, respond to the positions of their opponent. This is followed by 39 short essays touching upon the theme by such figures as Gary Bauer, Paul Begala, David Brooks, and John Sweeney.
Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The United States has been described as a nation with the soul of a church. Religion is discussed more explicitly and more urgently in American politics than in the public debates of any other wealthy democracy. It is certain to play an important role in the elections of 2004. Yet debates over religion and politics are often narrow and highly partisan, although the questions at hand demand a broader and more civil discussion. One Electorate under God? widens the dialogue by bringing together in one volume some of the most influential voices in American intellectual and political life. This book draws on a public debate between former New York governor Mario Cuomo and Indiana congressman Mark Souder, who discuss how their respective faith convictions have been both shaped by and reflected in their careers as public servants. This discussion, in turn, prompted commentary by a diverse group of scholars, politicians, journalists, and religious leaders who are engaged simultaneously in the religious and policy realms. Each contributor offers insights on how political leaders and religious convictions shape our politics. One Electorate under God arises from the idea that public deliberation is more honestand more democraticwhen officials are open and reflective about the interactions between their religious convictions and their commitments in the secular realm. This volumethe first of its kindseeks to promote a greater understanding of American thinking about faith and public office in a pluralistic society. Contributors include Joanna Adams, Azizah Al-Hibri, Doug Bandow, Michael Barone, Gary Bauer, Robert Bellah, David Brooks, Harvey Cox, Michael Cromartie, John DiIulio Jr., Terry Eastland, Robert Edgar, Jean Bethke Elshtain, Richard Wightman Fox, William Galston, Robert George, Andrew Greeley, John Green, Anna Greenberg, Susannah Heschel, Representative Amo Houghton (R-New York), Michael Kazin, Martha Minow, Stephen Monsma, Mark Noll, Rabbi David Novak, Ramesh Ponnuru, Representative David E. Price (D-North Carolina), Jeffrey Rosen, Cheryl Sanders, Ron Sider, Jim Skillen, Matthew Spalding, Jeffrey Stout, John Sweeney, Roberto Suro, Margaret OBrien Steinfels, Jim Towey, Doug Tanner, Mark Warren, Alan Wolfe, and Andrew Young.

"One Electorate under God" is a completely original collection of voices seeking to promote a greater understanding of American thinking about faith and public office in a pluralistic society.