Whether one thinks that "religion" continues to fade or has made a comeback in the contemporary world; there is a common notion that "religion" went away somewhere; at least in the West. But William Cavanaugh argues that religious fervor never left -- it has only migrated toward a new object of worship. In Migrations of the Holy he examines the disconcerting modern transfer of sacred devotion from the church to the nation-state. In these chapters Cavanaugh cautions readers to be wary of a rigid separation of religion and politics that boxes in the church and sends citizens instead to the state for hope; comfort; and salvation as they navigate the risks and pains of mortal life. When nationality becomes the primary source of identity and belonging; he warns; the state becomes the god and idol of its own religion; the language of nationalism becomes a liturgy; and devotees willingly sacrifice their lives to serve and defend their country. Cavanaugh urges Christians to resist this form of idolatry; to unthink the inevitability of the nation-state and its dreary party politics; to embrace radical forms of political pluralism that privilege local communities -- and to cling to an incarnational theology that weaves itself seamlessly and tangibly into all aspects of daily life and culture. Read more about the book in a blog post by Cavanaugh on EerdWord.
#305304 in Books Mark A Noll 1995-10-19Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .71 x 6.00l; .89 #File Name: 0802841805274 pagesThe Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Incredibly usefulBy C. D. VarnMark A. Noll is a first rate historian; a powerful voice for evangelicals; and a stern critic of the intellectual and social position evangelicals found themselves in at the end of the last century. While not an evangelical; Noll documents how a mixture of populism and activists forced a diverse tradition with religious intellectuals to freeze its thought in the popular sentiments of the late 19th and early 20th century; making the tradition that produced luminaries such as Jonathan Edwards into a revivalist remembered for a largely uncharacteristic fire and brimstone sermon mostly read in secular public schools. Noll documents that the populist tradition that produced borderline socialists like Bryant became more and more related and interlinked with the right alone.Noll does not totally acknowledge the larger social context moved similarly because he seems to be believe that evangelicals should have known better; and Noll finds more hope when he wrote the book than the next decade or two of American religious life has born out. Evangelicals pulling from mainline and Catholic intellectuals did not completely revive their thinking; and evangelical political thinking has declined some dramatically even in the US's current right-wing mood.As a non-evangelical and a non-Christian; I find this book indicates trends in American life that have religious orients but have manifested in secular populist movements left and right. The trend of activism and actionism moves people to shut down their mind and opportunistically reply the sentiment of a public at a particular time; however; the public learns and moves on and the true believers believe in capitulation as a gospel truth. The scandal of the evangelical mind is that isn't one; but this is not remotely unique to the evangelical; or Protestant; or Christian; or even religious; mind.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Church History Made PersonalBy Mary MI was gripped by this book and did not want to stop reading it until I was done. I read a lot of nonfiction; but seldom do finish them; even when I'm fascinated. So many things distract me; especially so many other books. But this book; difficult as it was; it was personal - like I was reading about my own extended family. It shed light on things that have been troubling me most of my life. I had been wanting to read some church history for a while and have investigated a lot of the books available on . This is the one I happened on though; by accident. Church history made personal. I've read some complaints here that it's very hard to read - well it is kind of. I found it fascinating enough that I struggled through. Some things I probably missed - not sure if it was because of his lack of clarity or my own ineptitude. Would have appreciated a little more clarity early on in the book about what was meant by baconian science. This figured big in Noll's description of the evangelical mind - it wasn't until late in the book that I got a bit more clarity on what was meant by baconian science - still not sure I understand it 100%. I have enough experience with evangelicalism though; that I think I have a pretty good intuitive feel for what he was talking about.Another thing I will say regarding how difficult the book is - he did dedicate it to the faculty and trustees of Wheaton College. Those were the people he wanted to have front row seats for this - the rest of us may have to struggle a bit. But it was fascinating and worth the struggle.I have a list now of people and ideas mentioned that I want to do further reading on. It really was a good read.I had Dr. Noll as a history professor many years back. If evangelicalism is a part of your life and you want to do some thinking - this is a book for you - I think you'll like it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great Historical Survey of Christian Intellectual ThoughtBy John P. MuellerThis is a good primer on the historical development of Christian thought. It gives you a sense of the key periods and influences. Consequently it is much easier to understand where we are today. Anyone looking for more understanding behind the key influences and developments will find this helpful. The writing has a bit too much rhetorical flourish and the meaning could have been conveyed more efficiently through better editing.
