This is the first critical history of Christian Reconstruction and its founder and champion; theologian and activist Rousas John Rushdoony (1916–2001). Drawing on exclusive access to Rushdoony's personal papers and extensive correspondence; Michael J. McVicar demonstrates the considerable role Reconstructionism played in the development of the radical Christian Right and an American theocratic agenda. As a religious movement; Reconstructionism aims at nothing less than "reconstructing" individuals through a form of Christian governance that; if implemented in the lives of U.S. citizens; would fundamentally alter the shape of American society.McVicar examines Rushdoony's career and traces Reconstructionism as it grew from a grassroots; populist movement in the 1960s to its height of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. He reveals the movement's galvanizing role in the development of political conspiracy theories and survivalism; libertarianism and antistatism; and educational reform and homeschooling. The book demonstrates how these issues have retained and in many cases gained potency for conservative Christians to the present day; despite the decline of the movement itself beginning in the 1990s. McVicar contends that Christian Reconstruction has contributed significantly to how certain forms of religiosity have become central; and now familiar; aspects of an often controversial conservative revolution in America.
#764290 in Books 2015-03-03 2015-03-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.43 x .80 x 5.96l; 1.00 #File Name: 1468310097320 pages
Review
