Christianity in America- Social and Political Allegiance

Taking America Back for God by Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry

“Taking America Back for God points to the phenomenon of “Christian nationalism,” the belief that the United States is-and should be-a Christian nation. Christian ideals and symbols have long played an important role in American public life, but Christian nationalism is about far more than whether the phrase “under God” belongs in the pledge of allegiance. At its heart, Christian nationalism demands that we must preserve a particular kind of social order, an order in which everyone–Christians and non-Christians, native-born and immigrants, whites and minorities, men and women recognizes their “proper” place in society.” Christian Nationalism in the Unites States

Main Argument:

Whitehead and Perry distinguish the relationship between “Christian nationalism” and American politics, in which traditional religious conformities influences social order and political views. The phenomenon that Christian nationalism is embedded in American public life has influenced a type of social order that is corrupt and strays away from the reality of social injustices within our country.  

The Function of Nationalism in America:

This book examines the phenomenon of Christian Nationalism and its influence within the political realm. The power of religion and politics has traditionally been separate in America as the idea of separation of church and state was early established to create secularization. The power of Christianity and ethics tries to influence social and political structure. However, the foundation of Christianity does not have political allegiance; therefore, Christian Nationalism is essentially using its ties to religion to validate their ideas on political and social issues. Their interests are not so much focused on the spiritual aspect, rather the ever-changing modern society that is now no longer aligning to the traditional, pre-established, uncultured society it once was. 

Seeking the Straight and Narrow by Lynne Gerber

“Drawing on fieldwork at First Place, a popular Christian weight-loss program, and Exodus International, a network of ex-gay ministries, Lynne Gerber explores why some Christians feel that being fat or gay offends God, what exactly they do to lose weight or go straight, and how they make sense of the program’s results—or, frequently, their lack. Gerber notes the differences and striking parallels between the two programs, and, more broadly, she traces the ways that other social institutions have attempted to contain the excesses associated with fatness and homosexuality. Challenging narratives that place evangelicals in constant opposition to dominant American values, Gerber shows that these programs reflect the often overlooked connection between American cultural obsessions and Christian ones.” Weight Loss and Sexual Orientation in Evangelical America

Main Argument:

Gerber describes Evangelical Christians’ justification of thinness and heterosexuality as aligning to godly ideals, in which our physicality alters our relationship with God. She focuses on these religious beliefs as a justification of American cultural obsessions. Rather than developing an internal and spiritual relationship with God, Evangelical Christians are using physical appearance and sexuality to justify a closer relationship with God. Rather, these beliefs are stemming from societal norms and cultural obsessions that focus on the superficial American values that are rooted from the traditional façade that our society once accepted. 

The Social Function of Physical Beauty

This book challenges American cultural obsessions, which in this case are justified as a religious belief in order to appease God through bodily desires. The social functionality of physical appearance portrays an unrealistic standard of beauty and health leaving individuals unsatisfied. The social pressure of weight, gender, and sexuality has distorted our social norms and created a culture of negative body image.   

Holy Terrors: Thinking About Religion After September 11 by Bruce Lincoln

“Holy Terrors begins with a gripping dissection of the instruction manual given to each of the 9/11 hijackers. In their evocation of passages from the Quran, we learn how the terrorists justified acts of destruction and mass murder “in the name of God, the most merciful, the most compassionate.” Lincoln then offers a provocative comparison of President Bush’s October 7, 2001 speech announcing U.S. military action in Afghanistan alongside the videotaped speech released by Osama bin Laden just a few hours later. As Lincoln authoritatively demonstrates, a close analysis of the rhetoric used by leaders as different as George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden—as well as Mohamed Atta and even Jerry Falwell—betrays startling similarities.” Thinking About Religion After September 11′

Main Argument:

Lincoln challenges the American stereotypes regarding the religion and culture of Islam that stemmed from the September 11^th terrorist attacks. The 9/11 terrorists justified the attacks and extensive deaths “‘in the name of God, the most merciful, the most compassionate’” (Lincoln), which created a radical and violent label for Islam in the eyes of many Americans. However, Lincoln compares President Bush’s speech regarding US military action in Afghanistan that used a similar approach. The institutionalized system of religion has justified political action, condoning violence by both parties. Lincoln analyzes the interrelated religious ties to political and culture, which has questioned the true character or religion.
The Function of Religion and War

This book examines both responses to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, using religious ties to justify violence and war. Using religion to combat violence and war devalues the character of religion and distorts its inherent function. This demonstrates how religion functions in political issues as it has been aligned with religious actions.

The Exhibit

In all, these books exhibit the functionality of religion in our social, political, and governmental structure. As seen through “Taking America Back for God,” religion is used as a basis for social ideologies through Christian Nationalism. “Holy Terrors” portrays the correlation to acts of God and war as a political fulfillment. Lastly, “Seeking the Straight and Narrow” shows the social abuses of religion in maintain the social conformity of thinness and heterosexuality. Durkheim analyzes this relationship as she states, “The totem symbol also conveys the sentiment that society, like itself, is something fixed and permanent; it remains as a focus of inspiration long after the excitement of the religious ceremonies is over” (Durkheim 97). Religion remains an eminent feature of social construct because it lays the foundation. It inevitably demonstrates a functionality of our culture because religion is just a way of life, which simultaneously carves the foundation for our social and political ideals.