History/ Religion 345 – RELIGION IN AMERICA – November 7, 2005  

RELIGION & EMPIRE  

QUESTIONS:  

1. One theme we’ve followed is that of CIVIL RELIGION.  Certain aspects of non-religious life seem to take an a “religious” quality.  For instance:

·        Sometimes people talk about how bad it is to “desecrate” the flag.  Note that “desecrate” is an interesting word – it comes from “sacred” and means to treat a “sacred” object in a disrespectful way.  Is the U.S. flag somehow “sacred”?

·        Judge Samuel Alito, when nominated to serve on the Supreme Court, was quoted as have deep “reverence” for the Supreme Court.  “Reverence,” though, is a strong word with deep religious connotations.  Should we “revere” courts?  Congress?

·        This is all connected, of course, to the idea of “Manifest Destiny,” the notion that the U.S. is on a “mission from God.”  

Think again about all this – what’s “good” about this sort of Civil Religion?  What could be “bad” about it?  

2. Look closely at Handy’s article, “The Christian Conquest of the World”  What is his key point?  What is the “Christ and culture” dilemma?

 

3. Look at Hunter’s article, “Women Missionaries and Cultural Conquest.”  Again, what is her key point?

 

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