Western democracies are experiencing a new wave of right-wing populism that seeks to mobilize religion for its own ends. With chapters on the United States; Britain; France; Italy; Austria; the Netherlands; Poland and Israel; Saving the People asks how populist movements have used religion for their own ends and how church leaders react to them. The authors contend that religion is more about belonging than belief for populists; with religious identities and traditions being deployed to define who can and cannot be part of 'the people'. This in turn helps many populists to claim that native Christian communities are being threatened by a creeping and highly aggressive process of Islamization; with Muslims becoming a key 'enemy of the people'. While Church elites generally condemn this instrumental use of religions; populists take little heed; presenting themselves as the true saviours of the people. The policy implications of this phenomenon are significant; which makes this book all the more timely and relevant to current debate.
#1047150 in Books Doreen Mattingly 2016-05-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.30 x 1.30 x 9.40l; .0 #File Name: 0190468602328 pagesA Feminist in the White House Midge Costanza the Carter Years and America s Culture Wars
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Insight into a forgotten champion of the equal rights movement.By Ashley R. HoffmannMattingly has unearthed an important; yet forgotten; story in US women's political history. The story of a trailblazing advocate for social justice and the structural barriers that she faced that limited her success. So often we think that changes happening now started recently - and miss the fallen warriors who paved the way with their failures. Midge was an unlikely hero who grabbed the opportunity she was given to create new national conversations about gender and sexual identity in an administration that hadn't yet accepted -or realized - the negative impact that lack of access to power has on the ability for those without access to realize the promises of our founders - life; liberty and the pursuit of happiness. She broke boundaries as she fell victim to them. This is the perfect time for Midge's story to come to light - as we witness the nation struggling anew with the sexist tension surrounding our first viable female candidate for president.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Laura OrtizThis book is amazing! The unwritten (till now) story of the first woman assistant to a president.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. You will love Midge Constanza and Doreen Mattingly for telling her story so well!By LR2003Midge Costanza was a wonderful women; full of life and excitement in everything that touched her heart. Doreen Mattingly does a great job of telling Midge's story so we can all get to know her and the machinations of the political machine along with our long history of the fight for feminism and equal rights for all Americans. I lived through the 1960's as an adult woman and it brings up sad memories that; at the time; were just how it was. White men were just superior; all of our American laws proved that. I wish I had known Midge and I wish I had been able to help her; Bella Abzug; Gloria Steinem and Shirley MacLaine; at the time. It is extremely sad that our country is almost falling apart and we could have prevented this if Midge had been listened to by President Carter in 1976; instead of just using her to get votes from people who wanted equal rights.
