Captain America and the crusade against evil : the dilemma of zealous nationalism

Resource Information

The work Captain America and the crusade against evil : the dilemma of zealous nationalism represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in University of Missouri-St. Louis Libraries. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

Captain America and the crusade against evil : the dilemma of zealous nationalism

Title remainder

the dilemma of zealous nationalism

Statement of responsibility

Robert Jewett and John Shelton Lawrence

Creator

• Jewett, Robert

Contributor

• Lawrence, John Shelton

Subject

• Civil religion -- United States
• Islam -- Relations | Christianity
• Jihad
• Millennialism -- United States
• Political messianism -- United States
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 2001-2009
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 20th century
• United States -- Politics and government -- 2001-2009
• War on Terrorism, 2001-2009
• War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 -- Causes
• Christianity and other religions -- Islam

Language

eng

Summary

• According to Jewett and Lawrence, American civil religion has both a humane, constitutional tradition and a violent stand that is now coming to the fore. The crusade to rid the world of evil and "evildoers" derives from the same biblical tradition of zealous warfare and nationalism that spawns Islamic and Israeli radicalism. In America, where this tradition has been popularized by super heroic entertainments, the idea of zealous war is infused with a distinctive sense of mission that draws on secular and religious images. These crusading ideals are visible in such events as the settling of the western frontier, the World Wars, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and America's present war on terrorism
• This critical book, however, is also immensely constructive. As Jewett and Lawrence point out, the same biblical tradition that allows for crusading mentalities also contains a critique of zealous warfare and a profound vision of impartial justice. This tradition of prophetic realism derives from the human side of the biblical heritage, and the authors trace its manifestations within the American experience, including its supreme embodiment in Abraham Lincoln. Isaiah's "swords into plowshares" image is carved on the walls of the United Nations building, thus standing at the center of a globally focused civil religion
• Grasping this vision honored by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike includes recognizing the dangers of zealous violence, the illusions of current crusading, and the promise of peaceful coexistence under international law

Cataloging source

DLC

Dewey number

303.48/273017671

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

LC call number

E902

LC item number

.J49 2003

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography