Between Babel and Beast Theopolitical Visions
By Peter J. Leithart
In this thought-provoking exploration of faith and national identity, Peter J. Leithart challenges American Christians to examine the complex relationship between spiritual devotion and patriotic allegiance. Drawing from biblical narratives and theological insights, the author investigates how America's remarkable historical trajectory and global influence have fostered a dangerous conflation of divine purpose with national destiny.
Leithart argues that Americans have gradually embraced a form of exceptionalism that positions the nation as God's chosen instrument in modern times, viewing America as a new Israel destined to redeem the world. This perspective, which he identifies as a form of heresy, has simultaneously fueled America's rise to global prominence while creating blind spots that prevent Christians from honestly confronting the nation's moral failures and misuses of power.
Rather than offering simple condemnation or uncritical praise, the book presents a nuanced framework for understanding how believers can faithfully serve both God and country. Leithart proposes that the church's highest contribution to American society comes not through political dominance or nationalist fervor, but through cultivating what he calls "martyr-citizens" who bear witness to God's broader kingdom that transcends national boundaries.
This work invites readers to wrestle with fundamental questions about loyalty, identity, and the proper relationship between earthly powers and eternal truths, offering a path toward more authentic Christian citizenship.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Imperialism
- ✓ Explore Church and state, united states
- ✓ Explore Exceptionalism
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Politics and government
- ✓ Explore Christianity and culture
- ✓ Explore Foreign relations
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
Topics
Details
- Published
- 2012
- Publisher
- Cascade Books
- ISBN-13
- 9781608998173
- ISBN-10
- 1608998177
- Pages
- 214
- Language
- EN
