Between Babel and Beast
The United States is one of history's great Christian nations, but our unique history, success, and global impact have seduced us into believing we are something more--God's New Israel, the new order of the ages, the last best hope of mankind, a redeemer nation. Using the subtle categories that arise from biblical narrative, Between Babel and Beast analyzes how the heresy of Americanism inspired America's rise to hegemony while blinding American Christians to our failures and abuses of power. The book demonstrates that the church best serves the genuine good of the United States by training witnesses--martyr-citizens of God's Abrahamic empire.
'When I read a critique of the heresy of 'Americanism' from someone who nonetheless 'loves America,' I take notice: this is not the usual predictable boilerplate. In this important book, Leithart brings his usual verve, erudition, and nuance to bear on one of the central idolatries of our age.'
--James K. A. Smith, Calvin College
'Between Babel and Beast' offers a bracing critique of American political history and a pastoral call for repentance from imperial 'Americanism.' But Leithart's distinctive analysis provides a more complex--and potentially more constructive--biblical perspective on international politics than can be found in the many ecclesial critics of empire. This crisply argued and highly readable companion to Defending Constantine confirms that Leithart is one of the most interesting voices in theology today.'
--Eric Gregory, Princeton University
ISBN-10: 1608998177
ISBN-13: 978-1608998173
Pages/Media: 216
Dimensions: 9 x 6
Publ.Date:2012
Author: Peter J. Leithart
Edition: 1st
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Peter J. Leithart holds degrees in English, history, religion, and theology, including a doctorate in theology from Cambridge University. He is a pastor at Trinity Reformed Church and a Senior Fellow at New Saint Andrews College (both in Moscow, Idaho). Leithart is the author of numerous books, including
A House for My Name, Against Christianity, and
Solomon Among the Postmoderns. He has also authored articles in journals such as
Pro Ecclesia, Journal of Biblical Literature, and
Westminster Theological Seminary. He and his wife Noel have ten children. Eleven if you count his
blog.
