
Myth and the Christian Nation
A Social Theory of Religion
Burton L. Mack(Author)
Equinox Publishing Ltd
Published on 5. February 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-84553-373-1 (ISBN)
Description
America is widely regarded as the ultimate "Christian Nation." Religious language has always been at the forefront of American politics but this has increased since the events of 9/11. 'Myth and the Christian Nation' presents a startling analysis of how and why Christianity and national identity have been woven together in recent American political discourse. Drawing on examples of religious myth-making across the ancient world 'Myth and the Christian Nation' brings the weight of history to bear on America today, a place where myth, monotheism, sovereignty and power can be harnessed together in the service of specific interests. The book invites readers to rethink the role of religion in the construction of social democracy and to see America afresh.
Reviews / Votes
"A primer in the ways in which religion can enhance our thinking about social construction. As such, it ranges widely: from ancient Rome and Greece, to the indigenous populations encountered during the Age of Discovery, to contemporary America." - Religious Studies Review "A substantial contribution to the contemporary challenging task of critical thinking about religion, society and our social situation. It deserves wide attention." - Reviews in Religion and Theology "Burton Mack is the most interesting and the most important scholar of ancient Christianity working today. The current work shows what the study of the religions of 'others' can do for our understanding of Christianity, both ancient and contemporary." - William Arnal, University of Regina "This book is vintage Mack. It is Mack at the height of height of his powers - of analysis, argumentation, communication. All serious explorers should reference this book as they chart their courses." - Vincent L. Wimbush, Claremont Graduate UniversityMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Sheffield
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
468 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84553-373-1 (9781845533731)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
12/2014
1st Edition
Routledge
€53.99
Available for download

E-Book
12/2014
1st Edition
Routledge
€53.99
Available for download

Book
07/2008
1st Edition
Equinox Publishing Ltd
€184.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Person
Burton L. Mack, now retired, was formerly John Wesley Professor in Early Christianity at the Claremont School of Theology and Graduate University in California. He is the author of numerous publications on Hellenistic Judaism, ritual theory, Classical rhetoric and Christian origins from the viewpoint of cultural anthropology and the history of religions.
Content
Preface Introduction Part I: The Religions of Other Peoples 1. Looking for Religion in the New World 2. Noticing Social Interests in Myths and Rituals 3. Watching Myths in the Making 4. Thinking with Myths about Culture Part II: The Religion of Christianity 5. Early Christian Mythmaking 6. The Social Formation of Christendom 7. The State of the Christian Nation 8. Religions in a Polycultural World Conclusion Bibliography Index