ABSTRACT
Despite predictions that religion would fade as societies modernized, this has not happened.
Religion, especially Christianity, continues to play a major role in Americans’ lives – their
personal and public lives. This chapter discusses the roles that various Christian denominations play
in defining and regulating sexuality. I will discuss how Christianity has been a key social force in
shaping sexual attitudes and influencing social policy and laws. In this sense, Christian churches are
caught up in the politics of sexuality in America. I will illustrate this by discussing the relationship
between the church and homosexuality. Finally, prospects for change are considered.
