Longlisted for the National Book Award. Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy; Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient; pagan; and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza; Lucretius; and other great philosophers; Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God;†“the pursuit of happiness;†and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began.
#105277 in Books 2007-04-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .70 x 5.50l; .53 #File Name: 0393329763272 pages
Review
15 of 19 people found the following review helpful. A Look Behind the CurtainBy JABThis book gives a look behind the curtain. It shows how those who would make our government into a fundamentalist Christian theoracy go about convincing us to do that.Their methods are based on fomenting hate; setting people against one another; creating THEYs. "THEY want to steal away our Christian nation." "THEY want to destroy the institution of marriage."All who believe in separation of church and state; and all who believe our government; rather than being established as a Christian nation; was established to be pluralistic and to protect the rights of minorities; should read this book. It will tell you how you are getting rolled by the Fundmentalist Right.7 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A Good; Concise ReadBy Will JeromThis is a good book on the Christian Right; rich with information that is packed into a slim 200-page volume. Those suspicious of the motives of the Christian Right will immediately relate to the author's work; as she highlights some of the most undemocratic trends and activists in the movement. That certain elements of the far Christian Right wish to replace democracy with an authoritarian theocracy is an unsettling prospect. Goldberg cites her sources and presents her book in a highly readable and engaging format. This book may not be as objective as some might wish - for example there are many Christians not amongst the far right; or indeed on the left; and omitting them from the book makes the Christian Right seem "scarier" than perhaps it really is. Having said that; Goldberg does identify some important; and disturbing trends amongst some Christians who appear to be of the mindset that they speak for God and for everyone else as well. Suffice it to say; it is fortunate that Christianity cannot be reduced entirely to this; for there are many Christians who think otherwise. I recommend it to self-critical Christians or secular readers; as well as anyone concerned with reviving our democracy.3 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A VERY important book!By Lawrence L. PiperA well researched; honest and well written account of the rise and spread of Dominionism; and it's threat to our religious and political freedoms here in the USA. Read; and please take heed; as the threat continues and worsens. Their goal: a Christian Nationalist Theocracy. And; up until now; hardly anyone has been paying attention.What is causing our congressional obstruction? The Dominionists have taken control of the house and much of the senate.
