ABSTRACT

America is widely regarded as the ultimate "Christian Nation." Religious language has always been at the forefront of American politics but this has increased since the events of 9/11. 'Myth and the Christian Nation' presents a startling analysis of how and why Christianity and national identity have been woven together in recent American political discourse. Drawing on examples of religious myth-making across the ancient world 'Myth and the Christian Nation' brings the weight of history to bear on America today, a place where myth, monotheism, sovereignty and power can be harnessed together in the service of specific interests. The book invites readers to rethink the role of religion in the construction of social democracy and to see America afresh.

chapter |14 pages

Introduction

part |1 pages

Part I The Religions of Other Peoples

chapter 1|32 pages

Looking for Religion in the New World

chapter 3|38 pages

Watching Myths in the Making

chapter 4|25 pages

Thinking with Myths about Culture

part |1 pages

Part II The Religion of Christianity

chapter 5|37 pages

Early Christian Mythmaking

chapter 6|34 pages

The Social Formation of Christendom

chapter 7|32 pages

The State of the Christian Nation

chapter 8|22 pages

Religions in a Polycultural World