Friday, August 07, 2009

Civil Religion Gone Awry?

Posted by Robert Sagers

Richard Gamble reviews The American Patriot’s Bible. Here's a clip:
"Modern American evangelicalism has its own way of reconciling church and state. It imagines an ideal American founding on Christian principles, blames the nation’s decline on secularists, and mobilizes politically active believers to 'reclaim' America as God’s chosen land. It sees no inherent conflict between America and the gospel. Christianity is safe for America’s political and economic order. In fact, a return to the Bible’s wisdom and morality would automatically heal the nation and secure its bright future. No one need choose between allegiance to Christ and allegiance to America.

"Guided by these assumptions, The American Patriot’s Bible attempts with breathtaking audacity to synthesize Americanism and Christianity."
Read the whole thing.

HT: Russell Moore