For the last several decades; at the far fringes of American evangelical Christianity has stood an intellectual movement known as Christian Reconstruction. The proponents of this movement embrace a radical position: that all of life should be brought under the authority of biblical law as it is contained in both the Old and New Testaments. They challenge the legitimacy of democracy; argue that slavery is biblically justifiable; and support the death penalty for all manner of "crimes" described in the Bible including homosexuality; adultery; and Sabbath-breaking. But; as Julie Ingersoll shows in this fascinating new book; this "Biblical Worldview" shapes their views not only on political issues; but on everything from private property and economic policy to history and literature. Holding that the Bible provides a coherent; internally consistent; and all-encompassing worldview; they seek to remake the entirety of society--church; state; family; economy--along biblical lines.Tracing the movement from its mid-twentieth-century origins in the writings of theologian and philosopher R.J. Rushdoony to its present-day sites of influence; including the Christian Home School movement; advocacy for the teaching of creationism; and the development and rise of the Tea Party; Ingersoll illustrates how Reconstructionists have broadly and subtly shaped conservative American Protestantism over the course of the late-twentieth and early-twenty-first centuries. Drawing on interviews with Reconstructionists themselves as well as extensive research in Reconstructionist publications; Building God's Kingdom offers the most complete and balanced portrait to date of this enigmatic segment of the Christian Right.
#1264185 in Books 2013-06-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.40 x 1.40 x 9.30l; 1.50 #File Name: 0199837430392 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Mine Eyes Have SeenBy Christian SchlectA much better book than one would imagine from its dry title. The authors tell the tale of the formation and popularization of the great song of the Civil War and bring its impact forward over the past 150 years.The Battle Hymn has been put to use by various political leaders; social reformers; religious groups; labor organizers; and others through the many decades since the days of Julia Ward Howe. Within this book the song itself provides a vehicle to tell many interesting historical stories; ranging from the rise of Billy Sunday to the days of the Wobblies to Martin Luther King; Jr.; and 1960s civil rights movement.As this is an effort by two university professors; not surprisingly almost every use of the Battle Hymn by conservatives is belittled. I thought this overall good book drifted to a weak closing chapter; ending with shots at such people as Newt Gringrich and Rush Limbaugh.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. CaptivatingBy B. H. LagerIt's a song; as an American; you've probably heard thousands of times; a song as deeply ingrained in the American psyche as any other; and whose strange and fascinating history resonates through the course of the country's last two hundred years.Soskis and Stauffer's "Battle Hymn of the Republic" tells a captivating story of the song's humble origins as a gospel hymn in the South; through its powerful transformation during the Civil War; and of its legacy as a song so fundamental to our country's spirit that it was performed at the national memorial service for the victims of 9/11. Included in this account; the authors present vivid portrayals of the famous and not-so-famous individuals connected with the song's history (John Brown; Julia Ward Howe-author of the Battle Hymn as we know it today; Bill Sunday) and offer deeply thoughtful insights about the song's unique ability to influence and reflect our nation's character.If you are interested in American history; or musical history; or would simply like to know more about the strange; apocalyptic lyrics that are now an indelible part of our culture; then you will be richly rewarded by time invested with this excellent biography of the song.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting History - At Times a Little DenseBy beaconkittyThe authors flesh out in interesting detail the background to Julia Ward Howe's composition of the battle hymn. Background on the early 19th century evangelical camp meetings and discussion of John Brown's failed attack on Harper's Ferry lend historical perspective. The progressive era and labor union modifications to the battle hymn were somewhat interesting but tended to bog down the narrative.
