Introduction

Abstract

An opening vignette on the religious politics of the Green Family of Hobby Lobby renown segues into a broader discussion of the presence and influence of conservative evangelicals and ideological conservatives in contemporary American politics. The vision that binds the two together is their efforts to approximate if not realize the Puritan dream of a Christian commonwealth. Instances of conflict in the culture wars, church-state relations, US Supreme Court cases, religious revivals, political theologies, biblical worldviews, presidential electioneering, and administrative policies draw attention to the presence of competing political values and religious interests in American society. More importantly, they hint at the uncertain sustainability of American liberal democracy. The chapter presents an overview of a unique analytical framework that is employed in the following chapters to examine the philosophical foundations of religious liberty and liberal political philosophy that were enshrined in American political architecture.