Where else but America do people ask: What Would Jesus Do? What Would Jesus Drive?What Would Jesus Eat?"This book is for believers and non-believers alike. It is not a book about whether one should believe in Jesus; but about how Americans have believed in and portrayed him."—from the IntroductionJesus in America is a comprehensive exploration of the vital role that the figure of Jesus has played throughout American history. Written by one of our most distinguished historians; Richard Wightman Fox; this book provides a brilliant cultural history of Jesus in America from its origins to today; demonstrating how Jesus is the most influential symbolic figure in our history.Benjamin Franklin understood Jesus as a wise man worthy of imitation. Thomas Jefferson regarded him as a moral teacher. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln; which occurred on Good Friday; was popularly interpreted as paralleling the crucifixion of Jesus . . . as one preacher put it; "Jesus Christ died for the world; Abraham Lincoln died for his country." Elizabeth Cady Stanton appropriated Jesus' message to champion women's rights. George W. Bush named Jesus as his favorite political philosopher—and several other GOP candidates followed suit—during the last presidential race. As we have seen in recent presidential elections; the name of Jesus is often thrust into the center of political debates; and many Americans regularly enlist Jesus; their ultimate arbiter of value; as the standard-bearer for their views and causes.Fox shows how Jesus influenced such major turning points in American history as:Columbus's voyage of discoveryThe arrival of the English puritans and Spanish missionariesThe American RevolutionThe abolition of slavery and the Civil WarLabor movementsSocial and cultural revolutions of the sixties and beyondThe swelling tide of Christian voices in the politics and entertainment of todayFox gives an expert; lively account of all the ways that Jesus is portrayed and understood in American culture. Extensively illustrated with images representing the multitude of American views of Jesus; Jesus in America reveals how fully and deeply Jesus is ingrained in the American experience.
#1523523 in Books 2005-05-03 2005-05-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.28 x 6.00l; 1.27 #File Name: 006062874X528 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ?By GodsAmbassadorThe book as a popular theological resource is okay. A word of caution before purchasing because price is well over the market at some resellers.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Inclusive and indepth...JesusBy Mark L. MathiaDetailed; long lasting impressions are what you are left with after reading and hopefully chewing over key issues in this book. I love seeing Christ move across our country in bold and vivid color. This book gave me an appreciation for the Catholic church and insight into modern day Calvinism and more. Great read for the serious students of theology.However; this book tends to manifest Christ in a way that takes Him out of your heart and places Him into your head. That was kind of a bummer to me. Good read but my money is on the bible.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Jesus in America ReviewBy Really Rabid ReaderI am still reading this book - there's a great deal of information to devour and digest. I do wish there was a bit more about the LDS (Mormon) Church; which is prominent in several western states and growing rapidly in the US and beyond. The other information is very interesting; and I am enjoying the book very much!
