Source: Religion Link

http://www.religionwriters.com/public/tips/010504/010504a.shtml

On January 5, 2004 Religion Link reported, "A year from now, and after untold campaign speeches and news stories, the United States will either have a new president, or voters will have returned George W. Bush to the White House for a second term. But the next 12 months will feature more than the usual intense campaigning. Experts say that more than perhaps any other election cycle, the 2004 race will offer a revealing look the state of religion in America and its role in public life. This unusually rich mix of religion and politics results from a convergence of factors. The most salient is the enduring fallout from the 9/11 attacks and the resulting war on terrorism that focuses on radical Islamism. The religious passions the conflict has stirred up - both in the Muslim world and among Christians and Jews - continue to thrust faith to the front of the political stage. This is especially true on foreign policy matters, which generally take a back seat to voters' domestic concerns." The article contains links with subject headings on religion connecting the reader to articles on religion and politics.