Why Liberals Win the Culture Wars (Even When They Lose Elections)

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In this timely social history of the United States, the bestselling author places today’s culture wars within a long-standing struggle between right and left, revealing that liberals ultimately prevail. The current political and cultural battles, though seemingly divisive, are not unprecedented. Stephen Prothero reframes these debates as the latest in a series of flashpoints that have shaped national identity. He takes readers on a historical journey, highlighting key moments such as the 1800 election between Calvinists and Jeffersonians, the mid-19th century Protestant campaign against Catholics, the anti-Mormon crusade of the Victorian era, the fundamentalist-modernist debates of the 1920s, the culture wars of the 1980s and 1990s, and the ongoing conflict against Islam. Prothero emphasizes that our culture wars have always been rooted in religious conflicts, progressing through stages of conservative reaction to liberal victory that ultimately benefit all Americans. Drawing on extensive research, he illustrates how competing religious beliefs have shaped political, economic, and sociological discourse. The conflicts we face today are part of our ongoing struggle with inclusiveness and the concept of “Americanness.” Exploring these battles offers insights into the soul of America and potential answers to pressing questions.