American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion - by John D Wilsey (Paperback)
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<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br><p>The idea of America's special place in history has been a guiding light for centuries. With thoughtful insight, John D. Wilsey traces the concept of exceptionalism, including its theological meaning and implications for civil religion. This careful history considers not only the abuses of the idea but how it can also point to constructive civil engagement and human flourishing.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><p>Ever since John Winthrop told his fellow colonists in 1630 that they were about to establish a City upon a Hill, the idea of having a special place in history has captured the American imagination. Through centuries of crises and opportunities, many have taken up this theme to inspire the nation. But others have criticized the notion because it implies a sense of superiority which can fuel racism, warmongering and even idolatry. In this remarkable book, John Wilsey traces the historical development of exceptionalism, including its theological meaning and implications for civil religion. From seventeenth-century Puritans to twentieth-century industrialists, from politicians to educators, exceptionalism does not appear as a monolithic concept to be either totally rejected or devotedly embraced. While it can lead to abuses, it can also point to constructive civil engagement and human flourishing. This book considers historically and theologically what makes the difference. Neither the term nor the idea of American exceptionalism is going away. John Wilsey's careful history and analysis will therefore prove an important touchstone for discussions of American identity in the decades to come.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><p><em>American Exceptionalism</em> is a genuinely excellent book. I strongly encourage pastors and teachers of every kind to read it for the sake of the cancer he does treat. You need his historical analysis.</p>--Providencemag.com, August 24, 2017<br><br><p>(Wilsey's) latest book, <em>American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reassessing the History of an Idea</em>, is in many ways a tract for the times. It's historically perceptive, theologically responsible, and hits on a topic that matters to ordinary believers. . . . America is exceptional in many ways, and there is nothing wrong with affirming this conviction. But idolatrous forms of exceptionalism should be rejected as false gospels, even (especially?) when they arise in evangelical contexts otherwise committed to the full authority of the Scripture and transforming power of the good news of Jesus Christ.</p>--Nathan A. Finn, The Gospel Coalition, November 16, 2015<br><br><p>Evangelicals who increasingly feel tension in civil and cultural engagement should consider Wilsey's proposal of open exceptionalism. This approach is thoughtful, sophisticated, and also compatible with the Christian gospel.</p>--Paul A. Sanchez, Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, Fall 2016<br><br><p>Far reaching, subtle, and profound, Wilsey's scholarly volume should be bracing reading for the serious or casual student of American history, theology, or contemporary culture.</p>--Library Journal, January 2016<br><br><p>In his recently released work, <em>American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion</em>, John Wilsey offers a genealogy of thought about god and nation. . . . There is much great food for thought in Wilsey's volume.</p>--Mark Edwards, Religion in American History, November 23, 2015<br><br><p>The idea that America is exceptional has a long history, but, as calls to 'Make America Great Again' illustrate, its power is far from spent. America's political climate only makes books like John D. Wilsey's all the more important. In a study best described as theologically informed history of an idea, Wilsey surveys American exceptionalism from John Winthrop's 'city on a hill' to Ronald Reagan's 'new patriotism, ' weaving together narrative, biographical sketches, exegetical insight, and critical evaluation. The result is a careful, winsome, and constructive treatment of an enduring and important feature of American Christianity. . . . Wilsey should be commended for providing a careful, accessible treatment of such a pertinent topic.</p>--Paul Gutacker, Fides et Historia, Summer/Fall 2016<br><br><p>This book will be helpful to lay people and scholars, pastors and teachers, students and others who desire to be good Christian citizens of America. The problems and concerns are real, particularly for those who are troubled by the blurring of patriotism and nationalism with Christianity. . . . 'Does it not seem strange and contradictory that we who affirm the sole supremacy of Christ exult over American glory at the same time and place that we gather to confess that Jesus is Lord?' (p. 215). That is a good questions, indeed, and one that the readers of Wilsey's book will be better equipped to understand and answer.</p>--Glenn R. Kreider, Bibliotheca Sacra, January-March 2017<br><br><p>This is a must-read if you are a Christian who is trying to make sense of the relationship between your faith and American identity. But Wilsey's book will also be useful for anyone--Christian or not--who is interested in the history of the idea of American exceptionalism.</p>--John Fea, The Way of Improvement Leads Home, January 12, 2016<br><br><p>We're fortunate to have John D. Wilsey, author of an excellent new study called <em>American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reassessing the History of an Idea</em>. . . . I come away from <em>American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion</em> emboldened, yet also humbled. I can embrace aspects of the 'open exceptionalism' that are deeply rooted in our national history--especially our dedication to the civil rights spelled out in our founding documents, however inconsistent that dedication has been over the years. But Americans, including too many Christians, still fail to wrestle with the dark aftereffects of having pursued, much too often, a 'closed' vision of exceptionalism. Wilsey's book is a helpful reminder of America's complicated historical legacy, of how we inherit a past at once brilliant, boisterous, inspiring, and highly destructive. . . . Campaign seasons have a way of exposing national fault lines. They reveal how we're still trying to figure out what this thing called <em>America</em> is all about--and just how 'exceptional' it really is, or has been, or should be in the future. Wilsey's book is a terrific resource for readers seeking clarity, theological perspective, and historical context as they participate in that grand American tradition of defining--and debating--who we are.</p>--Harold K. Bush, Christianity Today, January 28, 2016<br><br><p>Wilsey should be commended for challenging the hubristic exceptionalism of his intended evangelical audiences while identifying constructive elements for a new patriotism. Certainly, all undergraduate readers will appreciate thinking along with Wilsey about the virtues as well as the vices of nationalism.</p>--Mark Edwards, Journal of Church and State, Summer 2016<br>
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