Christianity and Party Politics: Keeping the Faith

Abstract

In this wide-ranging and original book, Martin Steven, despite having a “total lack of theological credentials” (p. 68), offers the first thorough analysis of the role of religion, particularly Christianity, in the contemporary British political system. Although Britain's church attendance is low and it is one of the most secularized societies in Europe, the author nevertheless claims that religion continues to exercise an important influence on voting behavior. Using a “rational choice theory” to analyze British politics, Steven sees the religious dimension of politics as being consciously used both by the different parties for distinct purposes and by the voters themselves who are principally motivated by their own self-interest: There is little desire among most voters to marginalize religion, because, unlike in other countries, religion is not associated with social or political division. One of the book's key themes is an emphasis on the high levels of participation in the political process by members of the Christian churches. Although they may be a diminishing number, members of the Christian churches are far more likely to vote than others. Indeed, the author argues, Christians are “an extremely reliable source of democratic engagement” (p. 143).