Overview

Histories of political religion since the 1960s often center on the rise of the powerful conservative evangelical voting bloc since the 1970s. One of the beliefs that has united these citizens is the idea that they are treated unfairly or are marginalized, despite their significant influence on public life. From the ascent of Reagan to the ""Contract with America,"" from 9/11 to Obama to Trump--these claims have moved steadily to the center of conservative activism. Scholars of religion have approached these phenomena with great caution, generally focusing on institutional history, or relying on journalistic conveniences like ""populism,"" or embracing the self-understandings of evangelicals themselves. None of these approaches is sufficiently calibrated to decoding the fierce convergence of online conspiracy theory, public violence, white supremacy, and religious authoritarianism. Accepting the narrative of Embattlement on its own terms, or examining it as mere turbulence on the path of American pluralism, overlooks how such deeper structural or atmospheric conditions work through this discourse to undermine the actual practice of democratic politics. Exploring the impact of these claims through case studies ranging from the Tea Party to Birthers to anti-sharia laws, Embattled America digs deeper into the debates between Martyrs (those who profess persecution) and Whistleblowers (those who sanctimoniously refute such claims). Hidden beneath each of these episodes is a series of ambivalences about democracy that require attention. Jason Bivins argues that the claims of Martyrs and Whistleblowers are symptoms of America's larger failings to strengthen the conditions for democratic life, and thus that rather than engaging their claims on the merits, concerned citizens should reassess fundamental democratic norms as part of a broader challenge to embolden American citizenship and institutions.

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9780197623503

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Reviews

His book offers much to contemplate about the position of Evangelicals in contemporary American politics. * B. Weston, CHOICE * Jason Bivins charges into the America's religious wars and finds something precious and unexpected: Shared hopes and expectations about democratic life. Embattled America pushes beyond the grievance and the outrage and reaches, instead, for a richer idea of citizenship. Bivins makes an urgent, thoughtful, creative, eloquent, fascinating appeal for real community in our parlous times. * James A Morone, author of Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History * Through expert attention to the complex interplay of religion, nationalism, and politics, Jason Bivins delivers a compelling and intellectually rich interpretation of the historical and contemporary conundrums of American democracy that have repeatedly challenged scholars. This is surely essential reading for understanding the most urgent issues shaping religion and American culture. * Sylvester Johnson, Professor and Director of the Center for Humanities, Virginia Tech *

Jason Bivins charges into the America's religious wars and finds something precious and unexpected: Shared hopes and expectations about democratic life. Embattled America pushes beyond the grievance and the outrage and reaches, instead, for a richer idea of citizenship. Bivins makes an urgent, thoughtful, creative, eloquent, fascinating appeal for real community in our parlous times. -- James A Morone, author of Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History Through expert attention to the complex interplay of religion, nationalism, and politics, Jason Bivins delivers a compelling and intellectually rich interpretation of the historical and contemporary conundrums of American democracy that have repeatedly challenged scholars. This is surely essential reading for understanding the most urgent issues shaping religion and American culture. -- Sylvester Johnson, Professor and Director of the Center for Humanities, Virginia Tech

His book offers much to contemplate about the position of Evangelicals in contemporary American politics. * B. Weston, CHOICE * Jason Bivins charges into the America's religious wars and finds something precious and unexpected: Shared hopes and expectations about democratic life. Embattled America pushes beyond the grievance and the outrage and reaches, instead, for a richer idea of citizenship. Bivins makes an urgent, thoughtful, creative, eloquent, fascinating appeal for real community in our parlous times. * James A Morone, author of Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History * Through expert attention to the complex interplay of religion, nationalism, and politics, Jason Bivins delivers a compelling and intellectually rich interpretation of the historical and contemporary conundrums of American democracy that have repeatedly challenged scholars. This is surely essential reading for understanding the most urgent issues shaping religion and American culture. * Sylvester Johnson, Professor and Director of the Center for Humanities, Virginia Tech *

Author Information

Jason C. Bivins is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at North Carolina State University. He is the author of three previous books including, most recently, Spirits Rejoice!: Jazz and American Religion. He has written widely for popular and academic media, has taught for The Great Courses, and has recorded multiple albums of improvised music on guitar.

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