Reaping the Whirlwind

"In this fascinating book . . . Pottenger examines critically the challenges to liberal democracies and concludes that the constitutional structure of the modern liberal-democratic state has the potential to contain the whirlwind of religious sectarianism resulting from its commitment to religious freedom and diversity. This book displays impressive scholarship in political theory, religion and politics in the United States, and knowledge of comparative politics."—Mary Segers, professor, Department of Political Science, Rutgers University

"John Pottenger approaches religion and its multiple manifestations with learning and empathy, the same qualities that inform his understanding of liberal democracy. As he points to the merits of contemporary religious expression across many borders and in many varieties, he also notes the challenges if not dangers such expression poses for the political and religious freedoms so tenuously acquired in recent times. His analysis is clear and probing, which makes his recommendations all the more persuasive and timely."—Charles Butterworth, professor, Department of Government & Politics, University of Maryland

"Challenges the reader to look at the role of the state in resolving the tensions between religious values and social harmony as well as the difficulty of balancing individual freedom and the common good. [Pottenger] asks the big questions—and comes up with meaningful answers. This is a must read for those who want to explore below the surface of civil society."—Jo Renee Formicola, professor, Department of Political Science, Seton Hall University