Many people, especially secular liberals, misunderstand the nature of religion in politics—which is, to be fair, ever shifting. To them, if it’s not about Jerry Falwell or Joe Lieberman, it’s kind of a blur. So, just in time for another religion-packed election, here is a guide to sorting through some common myths about God and American politics. —Steven Waldman —How Prayers Poll: Debunking myths about the religious right. (Slate)

This article is also about the religious left and the secular fringe, so the title is a bit misleading.