Harnessing Chaos 506 The Bible In English Political Discourse Since 1968
Book Description
In the decades following the cultural upheavals of the 1960s, the Bible's role in English political discourse underwent a profound transformation that continues to shape contemporary spiritual and political conversations. James G. Crossley examines how economic shifts from post-war Keynesian policies to neoliberal dominance fundamentally altered the way Scripture is interpreted and wielded in public life.
This scholarly exploration reveals how biblical understanding became intertwined with dominant political ideologies, tracing the decline of radical biblical interpretation in parliamentary circles and the rise of modified Thatcherite approaches to Scripture. Crossley demonstrates how Margaret Thatcher's particular vision of biblical meaning gained ascendancy, reshaping popular assumptions about religion and politics in lasting ways.
The analysis extends beyond traditional political spheres to examine unexpected cultural influences, including how Monty Python's Life of Brian and Manchester's music scene reflected broader ideological changes in biblical interpretation. The book follows this evolution through Tony Blair's biblical exegesis and into the coalition era, showing how socially liberal values became incorporated into established interpretive frameworks.
For readers interested in understanding how sacred texts intersect with power structures and cultural change, this work offers valuable insights into the ongoing relationship between spiritual authority and political influence. Crossley concludes by exploring why English politicians continue to invoke biblical authority and where politically radical biblical interpretations persist outside mainstream parliamentary discourse.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 328 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Christianity and politics
- ✓ Explore Bibles
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Bible
- ✓ Explore Politics
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Great britain, religion
