By: Richard T. Hughes

Paperback

Click on the Google Preview image above to read some pages of this book!

The idea of the United States as a Christian nation is a powerful, seductive, and potentially destructive theme in American life, culture, and politics. Many fundamentalist and evangelical leaders routinely promote this notion, and millions of Americans simply assume the Christian character of the United States. And yet, as Richard T. Hughes reveals in this powerful book, the biblical vision of the "kingdom of God" stands at odds with the values and actions of an American empire that sanctions war instead of peace, promotes dominance and oppression instead of reconciliation, and exalts wealth and power instead of justice for the poor and needy.

"Hughes busts the myth of America as a Christian nation by quoting widely from the Bible and showing how American actions since the founding of the republic have often contradicted the central scriptural teaching of peace on earth and goodwill to man... A genuinely thought-provoking read, Christian America and the Kingdom of God makes one wonder if those who wage wars and bloodshed in the name of God do really know the holy canon." Chicago Sun-Times "As evangelicals continues to struggle with their identify in the post-George W. Bush era, let us hope that gentler, more reasonable voices like that of Richard Hughes prevail over those that prefer stridency and partisanship." Huffington Post "Hughes provides a solid, scripturally based explanation of the kingdom of God--a kingdom defined by love, peace, patience and generosity." Peoria Journal Star "In this timely contribution to widespread discussion about the United States as a Christian nation, Hughes offers a concise history of the cultural influence of the idea, a critique based on careful reading of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, an interpretation of the appeal of religious fundamentalism to Americans, and an answer to the question, why do we think of the US as a Christian nation? ... Highly recommended." Choice "An important sign of the times. Its passion, clarity and critical piety make it the kind of book that could build a movement." The Christian Century "An eloquent critique of those who would use a distorted interpretation of Christian belief to further their political agenda. Hughes does this with impressive theological scholarship and with an unswerving commitment to peace and social justice." Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present

Introduction: Getting Our Bearings; 1. Christian America as God's Chosen People; 2. Christian America and the Kingdom of God: The Witness of the Hebrew Bible; 3. Christian America and the Kingdom of God: The Witness of the New Testament

ISBN: 9780252078897
ISBN-10: 0252078896
Audience: Professional
For Ages: 19+ years old
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 232
Published: 1st August 2012
Dimensions (cm): 22.9 x 15.2  x 2.5
Weight (kg): 0.34