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Thy Kingdom Come: How the Religious Right Distorts Faith and Threatens America
Author(s): Randall H. Balmer (Author)
- Publisher: Basic Books
- Publication Date: 3 July 2006
- Language: English
- Print length: 256 pages
- ISBN-10: 0465005195
- ISBN-13: 9780465005192
Book Description
The distinguished author of “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” returns with a searing examination of a new generation of evangelical leaders who have hijacked the Christian faith on behalf of the Republican Party. For much of American history, evangelicalism was aligned with progressive political causes. Nineteenth century evangelicals fought for the abolition of slavery, universal suffrage and public education. But contemporary conservative activists have defaulted on this majestic legacy, embracing instead an agenda virtually indistinguishable from the Republican Party platform. Abortion, gay marriage, intelligent design – the Religious Right is fighting, and winning, some of the most important political battles of the twenty-first century. How has evangelical Christianity become so entrenched in partisan politics? Randall Balmer is both an evangelical Christian and a historian of American religion. Struggling to reconcile the contemporary state of evangelical faith in America with its proud tradition of progressivism, Balmer has headed to the frontlines of some of the most powerful and controversial organizations tied to the Religious Right. With a skilful combination of grassroots organization, ideological conviction and media savvy, the leader of the movement have mobilized millions of American evangelical Christians behind George W Bush’s hard-right political agenda. Deftly combining ethnographic research, theological reflections and historical context, Balmer laments the trivialization of Christianity – and offers a rallying cry for liberal Christians to reclaim the noble traditions of their faith.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“(T)his book goes a long way to answering any queries (about the pattern of Protestant Christianity in the United States).” — Catholic Herald
About the Author
Randall Balmer is the Ann Whitney Olin Professor of American Religion at Barnard College, Columbia University, and a visiting professor at Yale University Divinity School. He is editor-at-large for Christianity Today, and his commentaries on religion in America have appeared in newspapers across the country. He regularly appears on television and radio in America to discuss contemporary religious issues. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and children.
