Captain America And The Crusade Against Evil
$36.99
As immediate and relevant as today’s headlines, this book sets forth a bold argument with direct implications for political life in America and around the world. Combining incisive cultural analysis and keen religious insight, Robert Jewett and John Shelton Lawrence maintain that American crusading – so powerfully embodied in popular entertainments – has striking parallels with Islamic jihad and Israeli militancy.
According to Jewett and Lawrence, American civil religion has both a humane, constitutional tradition and a violent strand that is now coming to the fore. The crusade to rid the world of evil and “evildoers” derives from the same biblical tradition of zealous warfare and nationalism that spawns Islamic and Israeli radicalism. In America, where this tradition has been popularized by superheroic entertainments, the idea of zealous war is infused with a distinctive sense of mission that draws on secular and religious images. These crusading ideals are visible in such events as the settling of the western frontier, the World Wars, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and America’s present war on terrorism.
In exploring the tradition of zealous nationalism, which seeks to redeem the world by destroying enemies, the authors provide a fascinating access to the inner workings of the American psyche. They analyze the phenomenon of zeal – the term itself is the biblical and cultural counterpart of the Islamic concept of jihad – and address such consequential topics as the conspiracy theory of evil, the problem of stereotyping enemies, the mystique of violence, the obsession with victory, and the worship of national symbols such as flags.
This critical book, however, is also immensely constructive. As Jewett and Lawrence point out, the same biblical tradition that allows for crusading mentalities also contains a critique of zealous warfare and a profound vision of impartial justice. This tradition of prophetic realism derives from the humane side of the biblical heritage, and the authors trace its manifestations within the American experience, including its supreme embodiment in Abraham Lincoln. Isaiah’s “swords into plowshares” image is carved on the walls of the United Nations building, thus standing at the center of a globally focused civil religion. Grasping this vision honored by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike includes recognizing the dangers of zealous violence, the illusions of current crusading, and the promise of peaceful coexistence under
in stock within 3-5 days of online purchase
SKU (ISBN): 9780802828590
ISBN10: 0802828590
Robert Jewett | John Lawrence
Binding: Trade Paper
Published: June 2004
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
Print On Demand Product
Related products
-
I Still Believe Small Group DVD Kit
$39.99Add to cartThe I Still Believe Small Group Kit combines a 5-episode DVD series, 35-day devotional journal, and thorough leader’s guide to serve as a five-week guided tour for small groups through the biblical response to commitment, sacrifice, grief, loss, and also God’s sovereignty and redemption. This kit comes as a ready-to-use package that makes it easy to implement small groups in your church or ministry.
Includes: Video Series, Leader’s Guide, and Study Journal
-
Life Lessons From Luke (Student/Study Guide)
$12.99Add to cartThe Max Lucado Life Lessons series continues to be one of the bestselling study guide series on the market today. This updated edition of the popular New Testament and Old Testament series will offer readers a complete selection of studies by Max Lucado. Intriguing questions, inspirational storytelling, and profound reflections will bring God’s Word to life for both individuals and small-group members. Each session now includes a key passage of Scripture from both the NIV (formerly NCV) and the NKJV, and the guides have been updated to include content from Max’s recent releases (2007-2016).
-
Promises To Bless Your Heart 20 Cards To Color
$8.95Add to cartFor no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
It is so reassuring to know that God is a promise keeper. Spend some time being creative as you meditate on the 20 promises beautifully designed on these cards. The petite size of this book of cards allows you to take them anywhere. Promises To Bless Your Heart coloring cards make a wonderful and encouraging gift for a special friend. The inspirational Scripture verses will comfort the soul and brighten your day as you add color to them. Share with people you love or post on a refrigerator or bulletin board as a constant reminder of God’s Promises.
The booklet includes exquisitely designed coloring cards, one side for coloring and the back side for a personal message. This set of 20 cards is printed on heavy cardstock. Each card is easy to tear out and perfect to give as a greeting to someone special.
Size: 4 3/4″ (W) x 6 1/2″ (H)
Color one side and write a personal message on the back
Postcard-size book with 20 tear-out cards
Heavy Cardstock
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.