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
-
Love Stories Of The Bible Speak
$30.00Add to cartBiblical Studies
Additional Info
The Bible is full of “love” stories. But the Biblical idea of love is so much bigger than we imagine.Love is at the heart of the Bible. From the moment Adam declared Eve “flesh of my flesh”…to the sacrificial love of Joseph for Mary…to the deep friendship of David and Jonathan…to the abounding and never-changing love of God: The Bible is a love story. But it also redefines the way the world tells us we should think about love.
The Bible reveals not just butterflies and broken hearts. In Scripture, we see God’s beautiful design for the partnership of marriage. We witness friendships that cross all boundaries. We watch as families navigate the many seasons of life. Our guiding example for them all is the deepest, most abiding, foundational love ever known: God’s unconditional love for His people.
In The Love Stories of the Bible Speak, Shannon Bream draws lessons from the good, the bad, and the ugly of Biblical romances, friendships, and families. She shows how God’s love is often very different from ours, turning upside down our assumptions about life, relationships, and each other.
The Love Stories of the Bible Speak reminds us that, no matter where we find ourselves, God’s unwavering love will sustain and guide us. These insights into biblical relationships will uplift and encourage you, and reveal new dimensions to the most central Christian duty: to love God and your neighbor.
-
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 -
God For The Rest Of Us Pastors DVD Kit
$19.99Add to cartThe Pharisees called Jesus “a friend of sinners.” He took it as a compliment. Would you? In these resources, Pastor Vince Antonucci and his unusual church that reaches out to people on the Las Vegas Strip explore a powerful question: what if God is not just for the faithful, church-going, or holier-than-thou types – what if God is for the rest of us? This small group study expands viewpoints, overcomes stereotypes, and models how to really love people like Jesus does. The Pastor’s Kit includes everything needed to plan a six-week teaching series around the concepts presented in the Small Group Study. It includes:
Special video message for pastors
Video guide for implementing a church-wide program
Six sermon outlines
Six short video clips to accompany each week’s sermon
Six sermon bumpers (short video clips to introduce each week’s sermon)
Digital art files to use in creation of bulletins and other promo materials
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.