God's Own Country Power and the Religious Right in the USA

Bush in 2001. In this insightful study Stephen Bates explains why what happens in the Bible Belt matters around the world and identifies those who hope to export the battle to an international stage. American fundamentalist religion has the potential to impact crucial and acutely dangerous areas of the world, and is already affecting American government foreign policynot least in Israel and the Middle East, where some are predicting the world's last and greatest battle will be fought. This crucial study addresses time-sensitive and crucial topics, and identifies where America's battle for its soul take the rest of the world."An essential read." Guardian"A remarkable achievement; vivid, eloquent, and vital for anyone wishing trying to understand the soul of the most powerful nation on earth." The Observer"Bates's account of American religious life is detailed, accurate, and engaging." Church Times"This tour of the wilder shores of U.S. evangelism engages seriously with its ideas." Financial Times Magazine"With a Presidential election coming up, Bates's observations provide a fascinating, sometimes disturbing, backdrop to the good fight ahead." Independent"American fundamentalist religion has the potential to impact on crucial and acutely dangerous areas of the world. But it is already affecting American government policy at home and abroad: not least in Israel and the Middle East, where some are predicting the world's last and greatest battle will be fought. It's a battle that sears America's soul and affects the world." "In this book, Stephen Bates explains why what happens in the Bible Belt matters to us - and how there are those who hope to export the battle to Britain. Where will America's battle for its soul take the world - and will it be a better place?"--BOOK JACKET.