Evangelist Billy Graham has served as a spiritual advisor to 11 different U.S. presidents and their families, starting with President Truman. Though he only became close to some (such as Eisenhower and, more famously, Nixon), he was always available, even if rarely called. This insightful look at Graham's relationships with the nation's leaders evaluates his counsel and his role in bringing faith and politics together during the past half century. Those curious about his role as spiritual confidante as well as anyone looking to learn more about the spiritual lives of the presidents themselves will be well pleased.

Avoid mixed-fiber clothing. Stone blasphemers. Pray three times daily. Grow a beard. Kill magicians and destroy idols. These are just some of the more than 800 instructions found in the Hebrew Bible that author A.J. Jacobs attempted to follow for one year (well, at least the ones that weren't illegal). The result is both edifying and entertaining, as Jacobs stops shaving, consults with his spiritual board, explores biblical literalism, and tries to understand why these rules were written. Though by the end he isn't necessarily a convert, he certainly isn't unaffected by his journey, for if nothing else he's found solace in prayer.

Ten years after her death, Mother Teresa continues to be admired by people around the world. For those who know her primarily for her public works, this collection of her writings offers the opportunity to understand her inner life as well. The reflections and letters collected here chronicle her spiritual journey, her dedication to charity, her contributions to the sick, the dying, and the forgotten, and most of all, the trial of faith that tested and shaped her beliefs. For a fuller understanding of this remarkable woman, her letters--and Father Brian Kolodiejchuk's commentary--offer a profound place to begin.

Who better to talk about foreign affairs and religion than a former secretary of state? Madeleine Albright, who held the office during the Clinton years, offers a provocative and personal look at the role of religion in America's foreign policy. Albright (who was raised Catholic but is now Episcopalian) argues that understanding the place and power of religion--and knowing how best to respond to it--is essential if America is to lead successfully around the world. She voices her opinions on numerous hot topics in the intersection of religion and politics, such as the Christian Right, Islam, and the situation in the Middle East. This engrossing book is for people of all religious and political mindsets.

Newsweek editor and bestselling author Jon Meacham offers an incisive historical portrait of religion and politics in America, from the colonial period to the present day. He argues that the U.S. was founded on the belief that all faiths are equal under the law, and that contemporary society should embrace the principles of the Founding Fathers. Meacham also covers early religious differences as well as the wartime presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. If after finishing this book you want to learn more about the religious beliefs of the Founding Fathers, try David Holmes' Faiths of the Founding Fathers.

In The Shia Revival, professor of international politics Vali Nasr considers the ways in which struggles between the Shia and Sunni Muslims in the Middle East will affect the region's future. As he gives a history of the differences between (and within) the two groups, he offers insight into the battle for political and spiritual leadership of the Muslim world. Though the differences are based in an ancient religious rivalry, they hold great import for all the Muslim countries in the area. Nasr's clear analysis is "fast-moving, engaging, and ultimately unnerving" (The New York Times).

Where does religion belong in the public sphere? How has religion influenced American politics? In The Holy Vote, NewsHour correspondent Ray Suarez explores the ways in which religious beliefs affect voters and traces how the growing polarization of religious belief is affecting the political system. He provides a balanced look at many of the issues concerning the American public today--the fight over gay marriage, the impact of growing religious minorities like Latino Catholics, the separation of church and state, and more. He also makes sure to include interviews with people on multiple sides of an issue.