Study Guide for Midterm Exam, Polsc. 675 Religion and Politics

1. What are Locke's main arguments for religious toleration? Why does he exclude some beliefs from toleration?

2. Explain what Wald means by "covenant theology" and give some examples/expressions of covenant theology. What does this tell us about the Judeo-Christian tradition's influence on the development of democracy?

3. Explain the Protestant Reformation's influence on the development of liberal democratic thought.

4. Briefly explain the general political orientation of Catholics, Mainline Protestants, Evangelicals, African-American Protestants, and Jews in America. How does each group's religious beliefs influence their political thought and behavior?

5. When and why did evangelicals become more politically active? What are the key issues evangelicals are concerned about?

6. When and why did mainline Protestant churches become more moderate to liberal in their political/social teachings? Explain the difference between the stances of mainline churches and the political views of many of the members of these churches.

7. Explain the Intelligent Design theory. Why do supporters of Intelligent Design reject the Darwinian theory of evolution?

8. How can some people argue that Darwinian evolution does not preclude the existence of God. How can other people argue that it does? What difference does this debate make politically?

9. Explain at least three concerns that critics of embryonic stem cell and/or fetal tissue research have about these sources of stem cells. Provide at least three arguments for using one or both of these sources.

10. What is the function of marriage according to authors who support same-sex marriage? What is its function for those who support only traditional marriage between a man and a woman?