The Anonymous God: The Church Confronts Civil Religion And American Society

By David L. Adams

This book examines American civil religion in the light of historic Christianity. Civil religion is a unifying nationalism that uses religious means and words to promote national values and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758608195
• ISBN13: 9780758608192
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Concordia Pub House
• Length: 287 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 1.0" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Impressions

I can only add to rodboomboom's review that the collection of essays in this book are by some of the best qualified authors that I know. While published by a Lutheran (LCMS) publishing house (CPH - Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis), this is a book for anyone to better understand "Civil Religion" and its impact upon society / culture. We are increasingly becoming like the Greeks of St. Paul's day when they had a place for the "anonymous god" in case they missed one in the Pantheon.

Great Reader for Civil American Religion

To say anything against America with some Americans these days is blasphemy against their God. Thus, the power of civil religion. This collection of essays on the topic is vital and well executed primer on the subject. It is complex topic, having developed over time but becoming more and more prominent in our midst, especially heightened by 9/11. The thrust of this effort (and rightly so) is the deceit of many who claim name Christian are actually civil religionists. Followers of Christ have Him first, then if one chooses, country second. Even that would be Biblical suspect ranking. Many I believe don't realize this serious faith issue, having and being mislead by pastors and preachers who support their error. This volume provides for many an intro to the discussion. For those who want more depth, it is here as well. There is excellent intros historically, Synodically (LCMS), and theologically, sociologically, etc. For this reviewer, especially vibrate to chapters 5, 6 and 7, which respectively highlight theology of glory vs. theology of the cross; confession & Great commission; and new character of American civil religion. This is worthy material to be read, pondered, discussed. Keep it coming, CPH. You do the church, world and yes, American civil religion a great blessing with this fine contribution.