A Nation Under God

The provocative and authoritative history of the origins of Christian America in the New Deal era We're often told that the United States is, was, and always has been a Christian nation. But in One Nation Under God, historian Kevin M. Kruse reveals that the belief that America is fundamentally and formally Christian originated in the 1930s. To fight the "slavery" of FDR's New Deal, businessmen enlisted religious activists in a campaign for "freedom under God" that culminated in the election of their ally Dwight Eisenhower in 1952. The new president revolutionized the role of religion in American politics. He inaugurated new traditions like the National Prayer Breakfast, as Congress added the phrase "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance and made "In God We Trust" the country's first official motto. Church membership soon soared to an all-time high of 69 percent. Americans across the religious and political spectrum agreed that their country was "one nation under God." Provocative and authoritative, One Nation Under God reveals how an unholy alliance of money, religion, and politics created a false origin story that continues to define and divide American politics to this day.

Is America still one nation under God? Our modern courts seem to say, "No," as do the secular media and the public schools. But what do the facts of history say? Here are ten incontrovertible, heavily documented, and politically incorrect historical facts that prove that Christianity played a pivotal role in uniquely shaping the freest, most prosperous, and most powerful nation in history.

When it comes to politics, Christians today seem lost and confused. Many Christians desire to relate their faith to politics but simply don't know how. This book exists to equip the reader to apply Christianity to politics with both grace and truth, with both boldness and humility.

One Nation Under God? is a remarkable consideration of how religion manifests itself in America today.

This book is an engaging account of US history from the first European contact with the 'New World' to the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Bruce Kuklick's straightforward yet authoritative narrative takes students through the complexities of US history without oversimplifying of requiring prior knowledge. Placing politics in the context of religious culture and exploring America's assertive expansion throughout history, A Political History of the USA is supported by wide-ranging examples, vivid extracts from primary sources, maps and illustrations which illuminate the main text. The historical narrative it presents is concise, nuanced and sharply drawn. Offering a compelling yet balanced account of US political, cultural and religious history, this is essential reading for undergraduate students of History and American Studies. New to this Edition: - More emphasis on the religious dimensions of the American story, explaining the continuing relevance of evangelical Christians - A new chapter on the period since 2008 - Incorporation of new research - Discussion of the paradox of modernism and religion in America - A revised bibliography, including more 'classic' works

This inspirational book celebrates the faith and courage of members of a traditional church that -- in 20th century America -- still struggling for religious freedom. Their Greatest challenge is the ongoing legal battle against the 1990 Supreme Court decision citing peyote use to deny the Native American Church the First Amendment right to 'the free exercise of religion'. Legislation providing an exemption to the Native American Church was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1997. The eloquent personal testimony offered by Church members from many different tribes demonstrates the spiritual strength of this religious tradition and makes it clear that peyote is not used to obtain 'visions' but to heal the body and spirit and to teach righteousness. Peyote meetings play, which stress abstinence from alcohol, truthfulness, family obligations, economic self-suffering, service, and prayer. This book is important reading for any one who cares about spiritual values, political process, and the individual's freedom to worship according to the dictates of conscience.

This is a book about Christianity. Applied Christianity. Applied to every area of life. It is a book about taking a stand for Christ. A book about following God's laws and Christ's teachings in all of our affairs, personal and public, spiritual and civic. This is a book especially for Christians, particularly Christian Americans. A book hopefully helpful to those who live in this land and walk in the laws and the light and delight of the living God -- those who are committed to the love, the truth, the power, and the path of Jesus Christ as Savior and King. - Prologue.

Why should you care about Israel? With the war in Iraq, possible engagement in Iran, and an imminent presidential election, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and the issue of solidarity with Israel remain important. In Two Nations Under God, American missionary Tom Doyle presents even greater reasons why the U.S. should show concern for Israel. Part one, “Why Should America Care?” is a biblical and historical primer on Israel with fascinating insights into connections between American and Middle East culture. Part two, “Sorting Out the Middle East Maze,” presents more facts about Islam and the spiritual roots behind the Middle East conflicts. Part three, “Maximizing the Moment,” is a call to action and prayer for the A merican church regarding the future of Israel. Best of all, readers will learn throughout that, despite the headlines, there is plenty of good news coming from the Middle East. Doyle reports on the increasing number of Muslims converting to Christianity, profiles local disciples and church planters, and provides helpful timelines, comparison charts, photographs, and more to keep every detail concerning Israel in perspective. Endorsements: "Chaos. Carnage. Confusion. For many, that’s the modern Middle East. But Tom Doyle gets it. Better yet, he can really explain it. With a pastor’s heart, he clearly and concisely describes why God loves the Jews of Israel and her Muslim neighbors, and why we should, too. What’s more, Tom reveals how powerfully God is moving in the modern Middle East, and how we can join Him. Two Nations under God is a must read—fascinating, insightful, and deeply thought-provoking. Get one for yourself, and another for your pastor." Joel C. Rosenberg, New York Times best-selling author of Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future