A Rhetoric of Public Theology: The Religious Rhetor and Public Policy

Abstract

This essay identifies a rhetoric of public theology, which is defined as theologically‐based discourse intentionally targeted for mass audiences in an attempt to influence religious and secular publics on public policy. The essay argues that a rhetoric of public theology differs markedly from that of civil religion and displays three characteristics: expedient simplicity, existential content, and action rituals. These discursive features help to account for increased church‐state tensions in contemporary society.