When Dr. Charles Dunn developed an interest in the relationship between religion and politics, not much had been written on the subject.

Now Dunn, dean of the Calderwood School of Arts and Letters and political science professor at Grove City College, has authored about a dozen books dealing with the presidency, conservatism and theology. His two latest works include "Faith Freedom and the Future: Religion in American Political Culture" and the a new edition of "The Conservative Tradition in America."

Dunn served as editor on "Faith, Freedom and the Future" and wrote an introduction entitled "The Kaleidoscopic Dynamics of Faith and Freedom."

The book started to take shape during the celebration of Grove City College's 125th anniversary.

"I had the privilege of organizing the lecture series for the 125th anniversary of the founding of Grove City College," Dunn said. In the process, he spoke with the publisher Rowman and Littlefield about publishing the lectures.

The book includes eight lectures delivered during the celebration by James H. Billington, Mark A. Noll, Marvin Olasky, George Marsden, Jean Bethke Elshtain, Robert P. George, Michael J. Behe and George Weigel.

Dunn's other new book, "The Conservative Tradition in America" was first published in 1996. The latest edition of the book, which compares the presidencies of Bill Clinton and George Bush, contains an epilogue. Dunn co-authored the book with J. David Woodard, political science professor at Clemson.

When Dunn first became interested in the relationship between religion and politics, he was a professor at Clemson University in South Carolina. He developed a lecture on the topic for his presidency class.

"The students really liked it," he said.

Dunn also prepared a paper for an American Political Science Association panel. There were only four slots open and over 60 people applied, but Dunn's paper was selected. The approximately 100 copies of his paper that were provided sold out overnight, and the panel was standing-room only.

"I thought, I may be onto something here," he said.

The paper led to his 1984 book, "American Political Theology." His first book was "The Future of the American Presidency" in 1975.

Dunn continued to write about the presidency and religious beliefs related to it. He began to see that theology and ideology in the presidency intertwined.

He is working on his latest book, "The Seven Laws of Presidential Leadership."

Dunn has been at Grove City College since 1999. He taught at Clemson University from 1972 to 1999, the University of Illinois from 1970 to 1972 and Florida State University in 1965.

His government experience includes serving in the Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970, as a congressional assistant between 1966 and 1970 as a special assistant to Washington Gov. Daniel J. Evans in 1965 and 1966.

He was appointed to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board by Ronald Reagan and later re-appointed by George Bush. On the board, Dunn was elected chairman four times.

In November, Dunn was invited to the 100th anniversary celebration of the West Wing at the White House, where he visited with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.

"They are authentic," he said. "What you see on television is what they are like in person."

Dunn said Mrs. Bush is a, "Gracious, lady-like person. Reserved, humble and modest."

As for the President, "He is what you see. He is west Texan. He is funny. He has a great sense of humor."

Throughout all of his writing and government experience and his appearances on such national television shows as "The Today Show," "The Tonight Show" and "The O'Reilly Factor," Dunn said his real love is working with students.

"My passion is teaching and advising," he said. "I love the classroom, and I love to teach and advise students."