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.
