Religion and American Foreign Policy, 1945–1960

Explore the intricate relationship between faith and foreign policy in William Inboden, III's compelling work, Religion and American Foreign Policy, 1945–1960, published by Cambridge University Press in 2010. This insightful book spans 370 pages, delving into how American Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, along with other influential leaders, confronted the threat of communism largely due to its antagonism towards religion.

Inboden meticulously examines the division within American Protestant churches and the emergence of a new civil religion crafted by political leaders. This newly established civil religion served to rally domestic support, set the framework for containment strategies, forge unity against communism, and weaken communist regimes overseas. A must-read for anyone interested in the interplay of religion and politics during this pivotal era in American history, this book provides a rich exploration of ideals that shaped policy and public sentiment alike.