Welcome
I started #UneasyCitizenship to reflect on the tension that exists between faith and public life, particularly in the contemporary United States. I’ve been wrestling with this tension for quite some time, as a Christian, as a political scientist, and as a college professor seeking to equip the next generation of Christian leaders.
In a moment rife with increasing social polarization, negative partisanship, demographic and ideological shifts, and other difficult challenges, Christians are at a crucial moment in our political and cultural engagement. How we respond to these challenges today will affect our gospel witness and shape our political environment for generations.
I’m thankful to be writing about this in my next book. Look for Uneasy Citizenship: Embracing the Tension in Faith and Politics in 2024, from Cascade Books.
About Me
I’m Daniel Bennett. I am an associate professor of political science at John Brown University, where I also serve as assistant director at the Center for Faith and Flourishing. I am also pleased to serve on the board of directors for the American Values Coalition and Neighborly Faith, two organizations dedicated to improving civic dialogue in an increasingly diverse and contentious society. I previously served in leadership for Christians in Political Science, including four years as the group’s president.
As a political scientist my interests are at the intersection of law, religion, and politics in the United States, including the politics of religious freedom in a pluralist society. My first book, Defending Faith: The Politics of the Christian Conservative Legal Movement, analyzed the emergence and influence of Christian legal groups in the United States. My research and analysis has been cited in a variety of national media, including the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, and NPR. I have also written popularly for Christianity Today, Religion and Politics, and Law and Liberty, among others. Check out my CV for a more detailed look at my academic work.
I live in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with my wife, Caitlyn, and three kids. We are members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, where I serve as a deacon. If you’re ever in the area and want to grab a cup of coffee, feel free to connect — I know a good spot.