This book explains how people who share the same scriptures, hymns, prayers, and creeds can arrive at and embrace radically different political perspectives. Charlene Floyd provides an in-depth look at the lives of a small but diverse number of politically active, committed Christians. In their own words, Protestants across the country explain how they arrive at their political opinions. Reading these profiles, one may begin to answer those basic questions: "How can they call themselves Christians?" and "How could they have voted for him?"Beginning with a brief overview of religion and politics in the United States and a discussion of recent developments (2001-2005), serious consideration of the key themes raised by the profile chapters follow. These include theology, practice, and connect/disconnect with society (particularly the group/individual's perception of its/their relationship to the world at large). Each chapter describes a different group of people whose political lives have been shaped by their faith and who are willing to think about and talk about their ideas. They take into consideration personal histories, education, work, family, and friends, and explore how religious beliefs have shaped people's lives.