Christian America and the Kingdom of God

Christian America and the Kingdom of God

By Richard T. Hughes

Book Description

In this thought-provoking exploration, Richard T. Hughes examines a profound tension at the heart of American spirituality: the gap between authentic Christian teachings and the way faith has been wielded in service of national identity. Drawing extensively from both Old and New Testament scriptures, Hughes illuminates the true nature of God's kingdom as revealed through Jesus—a realm characterized by love, peace, patience, and generosity that transcends earthly borders and political ambitions.

Hughes traces how this sacred vision has been repeatedly co-opted throughout American history, transformed into a form of messianic nationalism that positions the United States as God's specially chosen nation. This distortion, he argues, bears little resemblance to the radical teachings of Jesus and represents a fundamental misunderstanding of biblical principles.

The author investigates the roots of widespread biblical and theological illiteracy in America, exploring why so many citizens view their country as inherently Christian despite constitutional prohibitions against establishing a national religion. Through careful historical analysis, Hughes follows the evolution of fundamentalist Christianity and its growing political influence, particularly examining how these dynamics intensified in the early twenty-first century following national trauma and political upheaval.

This scholarly yet accessible work challenges readers to distinguish between genuine spiritual devotion and its political appropriations, offering a path toward more authentic faith engagement.

Who Is This For?

đź“– Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)

đź“„ Length: 211 pages

What You'll Discover

  • âś“ Explore Ă–ffentlichkeit
  • âś“ Explore Biblische Theologie
  • âś“ Explore Political aspects of Kingdom of God
  • âś“ Explore Politische Identität
  • âś“ Explore Geschichtstheologie
  • âś“ Explore Kingdom of god, biblical teaching
  • âś“ Explore Political aspects of Particularism (Theology)
  • âś“ Explore Staat

Topics Covered

Öffentlichkeit Biblische Theologie Political aspects of Kingdom of God Politische Identität Geschichtstheologie Kingdom of god, biblical teaching Political aspects of Particularism (Theology) Staat Kirche Religion Zivilreligion Politische Theologie Political aspects Christianity and politics Sendungsbewusstsein Particularism (Theology) Auserwählung Christentum Theology Religiöse Identität Kingdom of God Reich Gottes Auserwähltes Volk Politik Kristendom Biblical teaching

Related Books You Might Like

Cover of In the whirlwind

In the whirlwind

Robert Burt

2012 • 382p

In the Whirlwind offers a profound exploration of humanity's complex relationship with the divine through the lens of biblical narrative. Robert Burt examines the stories of pivotal figures including Adam and Eve, Noah, Cain, Abraham, Moses, Job, and...
Cover of Religion Gender and the Public Sphere Routledge Studies in Religion

Religion Gender and the Public Sphere Routledge Studies in Religion

Niamh Reilly

2013 • 307p

In our increasingly complex world, the intersection of faith, gender, and public life creates profound tensions that demand deeper understanding. This scholarly exploration moves beyond surface-level debates to examine how religious traditions and ge...
Cover of character of Christian Scripture, The

character of Christian Scripture, The

Christopher R. Seitz

2011 • 218p

Christopher R. Seitz invites readers into a profound exploration of how the Old and New Testaments work together as unified Christian Scripture. Rather than viewing these ancient texts as separate collections, this scholarly yet accessible work revea...
Cover of Fully alive

Fully alive

Jason A. Fout

2015 • 213p

In a world where many feel diminished by divine power, Jason A. Fout presents a revolutionary understanding of how God's glory actually enhances rather than threatens human potential. "Fully Alive" challenges the widespread theological assumption tha...
Cover of Sinning in the Hebrew Bible

Sinning in the Hebrew Bible

Alan F. Segal

2012 • 296p

The Hebrew Bible contains some of humanity's most challenging narratives—stories that confront us with difficult questions about morality, faith, and the human condition. In this thoughtful exploration, Alan F. Segal examines how tales of transgressi...
Cover of Evoking lament

Evoking lament

Brian Brock, Eva Harasta

2009 • 228p

In the depths of spiritual struggle, when faith meets suffering head-on, many believers find themselves caught between authentic expression and expected devotion. Eva Harasta explores this sacred tension through the often-overlooked practice of lamen...