#UneasyCitizenship acknowledges and reflections on the tension inherent in faith and public life. 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. Now, I’ve written a book about it: Uneasy Citizenship: Embracing the Tension in Faith and Politics.
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 how we engage with our world. We have the opportunity to model a better, faithful political engagement, one that is consistent with and befitting of the hope we have in Christ. How we respond to today’s challenges will affect our gospel witness and shape our political environment for generations to come.
You can order Uneasy Citizenship: Embracing the Tension in Faith and Politics today:
A Capella Books (support independent bookstores!)
About Me
I’m Daniel Bennett. I am an associate professor of political science at John Brown University, where I also serve as Director of 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 combatting toxic polarization and improving civic engagement in an increasingly contentious society. I previously served in leadership for Christians in Political Science, including four years as the group’s president, and was a Public Life Fellow with the Center for Christianity and Public Life.
My research is 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 work and expertise 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, and often appear in regional media as a political analyst.
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.
Selected Articles
“Christians Shouldn’t Run from a ‘Negative World.’ But They Can Depend on It Less”
“Trump’s Indictment Demands a Distinctly Christian Response”
“What Christian Colleges Can Glean from the Supreme Court’s ‘Yeshiva’ Case”
“LGBT Rights Ruling Isn’t the Beginning of the End for Religious Liberty”
“Amy Coney Barrett’s Confirmation Would Be a Major Victory for the Christian Legal Movement”
“Brett Kavanaugh, Christian Conservatives, and the Art of the Deal”
Selected Interviews and Talks
“Perspectives on the War in Israel” (KHBS)
“Conservative movement pushes against abortion drug Mifepristone” (Here and Now/WBUR)
“Trump’s Indictment Demands a Distinctly Christian Response” (The Ride Home with John and Kathy - 1:10:35)