In this historical overview of American fundamentalism and evangelicalism- Marsden provides an introduction to these growing religious movements and a deeper analysis of two themes that have been especially prominent and controversial in these traditions--views of science and views of politics.

Many American's today are taking note of the surprisingly strong political force that is the religious right. Controversial decisions by the government are met with hundreds of lobbyists- millions of dollars of advertising spending- and a powerful grassroots response. How has the fundamentalist movement managed to resist the pressures of the scienti…