fracture of good order, The

Book Description

In an era where faith and politics increasingly collide, many Americans find themselves caught between religious convictions and civic obligations. Jason Bivins explores this tension through a fascinating examination of Christian communities who have chosen to actively resist government authority based on their spiritual beliefs.

This thoughtful analysis reveals how diverse religious groups, from Catholic pacifists to evangelical communities to Christian homeschooling advocates, share a common thread despite their different approaches. Each group believes that America's liberal political system fundamentally conflicts with authentic religious living, leading them to public acts of conscience and resistance.

Bivins introduces the concept of "Christian antiliberalism" to describe this growing movement of believers who view government power as excessive and morally compromised. Through careful study of specific communities like the Berrigan brothers' Catholic resistance movement, the Christian Right's educational activism, and the progressive Sojourners community, he uncovers the religious reasoning behind their political opposition.

Rather than dismissing these groups as fringe movements, Bivins treats their concerns seriously, examining how their faith compels them to challenge conventional political participation. The book offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between spiritual conviction and democratic citizenship in contemporary America.

For readers interested in how religious communities navigate moral authority in secular society, this work provides a nuanced exploration of faith-based resistance and its implications for American democracy.