God-fearing and free
Book Description
In a time when many assumed religion was fading from American life, Jason W. Stevens reveals a different story entirely. God-fearing and Free explores how spiritual themes and religious symbols have continuously shaped American culture, particularly during the pivotal Cold War era when the nation stood at the height of its global influence.
Stevens examines how Americans grappled with their role as a world superpower while wrestling with deep uncertainties about the future. During this period of national soul-searching, religious revival became a powerful force that helped redefine American identity. The book traces how traditional Christian concepts, especially the doctrine of original sin, were reimagined and woven into cultural conversations designed to strengthen democratic values against totalitarian threats.
Through careful analysis of writers, artists, and intellectuals both religious and secular, Stevens demonstrates how spiritual discourse became central to American self-understanding. The narrative reveals how innocence itself was redefined, no longer representing moral purity but instead becoming associated with dangerous ideological extremes that threatened democratic society.
This scholarly work illuminates the complex relationship between faith, politics, and culture in modern America. Stevens shows how religious thought provided a framework for confronting national doubts and global responsibilities, offering readers insight into the enduring influence of spiritual perspectives on American public life and cultural identity.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~12 hours)
📄 Length: 434 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore United states, politics and government
- ✓ Explore United states, religion
- ✓ Explore United states, social life and customs
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Christianity and politics
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Cold War
