★ Publishers Weekly starred review
"Buttressing her claims with impressive close analysis, Schiess sets out a nuanced look at America’s legacy of scriptural language, and readers will find especially useful her guidelines for responsible biblical interpretation when engaging in political discourse."
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What People Are Saying
"This is a book about faith, politics, and the Bible that our churches and our democracy need."
— Jemar Tisby, New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism, professor of history at Simmons College of Kentucky
“A wonderfully illuminating history of how Americans have reached for the Bible--for better or worse--to shape our shared political life.”
— Phil Vischer, VeggieTales creator and cohost of the Holy Post podcast
“Clever, judicious, and remarkably persuasive.”
— Beth Allison Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood and James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University
“The Ballot and the Bible offers keen, level-headed, and perceptive insights into the use of Scripture in our political life that will empower readers without leaving them either complacently cynical or myopically gullible. Spend time with Kaitlyn Schiess by reading this book, and you'll gain confidence in your own ability to navigate political issues.”
— Michael Wear, president and CEO, Center for Christianity and Public Life, author of The Spirit of Our Politics
“Whether you lean left or lean right, whether you come from a red state, blue state, or a purple one, if you are a Christian who seeks to apply biblical principles to your political thinking, you will find something instructive, challenging, and enlightening in this book."
— Karen Swallow Prior, author of The Evangelical Imagination
"History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. That maxim is certainly on display in Schiess's compelling book about the use--and misuse--of the Bible in the political arena throughout US history. With accessible scholarship and wisdom, she reveals how the use of Scripture in today's polarized political environment echoes its use in previous eras. But Schiess is also careful to highlight and honor the unique contours of each generation's engagement with the Bible. This book is a must-read for every Christian who cares about the role of faith in the public square."
— Skye Jethani, author of What if Jesus Was Serious?, cohost of the Holy Post podcast
“Somehow, Kaitlyn serves up rigorous academic research with illuminating insight and theologically rich wisdom, all perfectly peppered with wit. And in these pages, she is operating at the height of her powers. The Ballot and the Bible is brilliant and fascinating and about so much more than politics. This book should be required reading for hermeneutics classes, as well as anyone who teaches the Bible."