audiobook American Gospel: God; the Founding Fathers; and the Making of a Nation by Jon Meacham in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. the better it will be at “keeping a particular extreme cause ...By Carla BuckZander Levy Jon Meacham’s 2006 novel; American Gospel; is a provocative reiteration of the history on the role religion has played in the government of the United States. Meacham covers several U.S. historical events; from the settlement of the original American colonies to the present; consistently suggesting that in America; “the benefits of God have outweighed the costs” (31). His claim is well-developed; arguing that although there is an individual freedom to worship any religion; the United States also has a free public religion; a common set of beliefs “on justice; decency; duty; and responsibility” (27) that is meant to inspire and unite our nation. Meacham adamantly argues that the U.S. public religion is not strictly Christian; counter to what some secularists today believe; and that the American nation was designed to keep religious extremism in check. As a whole; writer Jon Meacham establishes that our Founders did not found us specifically as a Christian nation; but still knew that public religion was essential to a well functioning republic.Meacham first describes the actions of the early religious groups who immigrated to America for religious freedom. The irony is that many such groups searching for the freedom to worship soon used their power in America to impose intolerant laws against those who worshipped ifferently. According to Meacham; those who immigrated to the colonies “whose freedom of religion was a driving force soon found themselves doing onto others what had been done unto them” (41). Meacham highlights exceptions to this in Pennsylvania and Maryland; tracing back the origin of “separation between church and state” (54) to Roger Williams in Rhode Island; who suggested it would protect the Church from ever being perverted by the state. The pictures of the early colonies Meachum presents on page 38 are also a mixed bag of religious understanding and intolerance; but shows there was a wide variety of religions that wished to be respected.It is by discussing the country’s foundings that Meachum introduces the essence of his argument. Meacham asserts that the Declaration of Independence was a religious document; since it stated that a Creator gave us unalienable rights that no government can take away. And if the government does not respect those rights; God gives us the right to rebel. On the other hand; the Constitution was a secular document; meant to rein extremism through checks and balances. And in none of the Founding Father’s words and actions is there evidence our country was to be mainly Christian. In fact; according to Madison; the more diverse from a religious standpoint our society is; the better it will be at “keeping a particular extreme cause from overwhelming the general good” (93). The Founders knew the danger of any one entity or religion becoming too powerful. Meacham continues the book with a survey of religious forces used by leaders in American history. Throughout our past; from the Civil War to Vietnam; there has been a continued push of voices by religious activists arguing to make the U.S. a more Christian country; many insisting that those were the Founder’s intentions. But the voices of our leaders; especially those who are familiar with history such as Eisenhower; Lincoln or F.D.R.; continued to reiterate what the Founders intended: this nation should not advance any one religion; but the sentiments of many beliefs on how to connect and unify our country. Lincoln used said religious ideas during the Civil War to argue that both the Union and the destruction of slavery were for “a holy cause” (152). Roosevelt used public religion in his speeches to give hope during the Depression; and even Johnson used religious imagery from the Bible in order to push forth the case of civil rights “as a moral imperative” (197). In all of these cases Meacham describes; our leaders used their platform of political power and religious ideals as a positive force; bringing hope to their listeners and demanding action. It is when speaking about the rise of Jerry Falwell and the religious right that Meacham seems to spread alarm around one of the causes of his argument. The movement of extremism not only pushed a Christian sect to become a political force; it claimed its legitimacy by doing a “retroactive baptism” (243). Despite no historical evidence; the power of this movement has grown over time; as have groups adamantly dedicated to a completely secular country. It is this polarization and our extremism that Meachum claims is one of the major issues for the 21st century.Overall; Meachum’s novel is an interesting work that helps the reader apprehend the complex linkages between religion and government. Meacham always appears nuanced when describing such points as well; detailing the Founders as considerate; yet never completely knowing the right course of action. His writing is not perfect however; giving examples and quotes that are so brief that they don’t combine well with the thesis; with the narrative also at times drifting away into unnecessary tangents. Nonetheless; American Gospel is an interesting read for those interested in the Founder’s beliefs; providing a sensible perspective on the religion-government relationship.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A New PerspectiveBy jles021Jon Meacham’s American Gospel discusses the role of religion throughout our country's history; and how it has shaped our lives today. This historical novel illustrates some of America’s most important moments in history; to which is followed by Meacham’s commentary and beliefs about our nation and its faith. Though the most predominant of Meacham’s claims is his belief in “Public Religion;” the idea where religion can affect a political system and everyday life indirectly; without complete control over an individual’s “public life”.American Gospel gives a decent amount of historical content. Mecham first covers his version of the creation of America; and explains the first settler’s real motives when braving the journey to America. He then talks about the Revolution; and the documents that were written as a result of the war; such as the Constitution. Presidents such as Lincoln; Kennedy and Reagan are discussed; as Meacham feels they were unique; and had a major effect on this country. The Civil War is briefly discussed; followed by former president's contributions to the civil rights movement. While a great deal of history is covered; Mecham sticks to the theme about religion; showing how faith had major impacts on these events.Personally; I am a strong believer in separation of church and state. Though I understand why religion was effective in the past; public religion would help all Americans. There are many religions and faiths across the country; and choosing one is beneficial for only a select amount of people. I understand what Mecham is trying to get across: religion is something that brings a nation together. Although; considering that only 62% of Americans claim they are a part of a church congregation leaves many wondering about the other 40%. Mecham had stronger evidence that public religion worked in the past; more so than his evidence of how it can work in the present. Amid America’s creation; public religion made much more sense and was more effective than it would be today. America’s population in its early days was highly Christian; as Christians were the first people to migrate over. John Locke was one of the first people to conceive the idea of separating church and state. Mecham also claimed that religion is a way to bring unity to a country; which he reasoned by reciting and analyzing Roosevelt’s mass prayer during World War II; which… “What was; at the time; one of the largest single mass prayers in human history” (171). Such evidence made Mecham’s claims more prominent; and believable; that public religion helped form the nation we live in today.The only prevailing evidence that public religion could work today is when Meacham talks about Reagan's presidency; as he is a recent example of “Public Religion.” Meacham claims that a key factor to president Reagan's success was his religious faith; and how he could use it to connect with other Americans; making him more personable. Meacham's real purpose for extensive coverage of Regan was because the former president believed in the idea of “Public Religion” that Meacham is basing this novel after. Mecham quoted Regan saying… “So; I tell you there are a great many God-fearing; dedicated; noble men and women in public life. Yes; we need your help to keep us ever mindful of the ideas and the principles that brought us into the public arena in the first place” (224). Although this was an exception; Mecham’s writing appeared weaker when he was examining Public Religion working in the future. He covered much more of the past; than he did of the present.From this novel; I learned that if it were not for religion; our country would not be as powerful as it is today. I used to wonder why religion even existed in politics in the first place; but after reading American Gospel; the role that it plays is now clear. I understand why presidents; and politicians did what they did; whether it be strategies; ways to appeal to people; or new ideas; especially during the creation of our country. The novel taught me about historical inaccuracies; myths; and motives of our early nation. I enjoyed Mecham’s book; and found it interesting; even though I did not completely agree with it. It offered new views of historical context; backed up with clear evidence for most of his claims; thus making it a great piece of writing.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. it was all for the greater good of the countryBy CustomerSince the founding of the United States of America; one of the biggest principles has always been the separation between church and state. The Founding Fathers believed that the government should not have authority or dictation over the citizens right to worship and follow whichever religion they desire. In recent years; this separation between church and state has become a struggle to maintain. In John Mechams The American Gospel; he makes a noteworthy contribution to the controversy and discussion around the role of religion in America. Mecham’s main arguments are based around his belief that when it comes to religion in America; the positives have outweighed the negatives. Mecham chooses to focus on the roles of faith and freedom of America. To support these claims; he makes credible arguments; providing quotations from the Founding Fathers. Mecham believes that faith and freedom have been conjoined since the founding of the country. He tells the story of how the Founding Fathers viewed faith; and recognized God; while also being able to create a nation where religion and belief in God is a personal choice.Mecham’s thesis is mostly strong; however; his claim about how the benefits of religion outweigh the costs; contains evidence that weakens his argument. Mecham argues that although people suffered; it was all for the greater good of the country. I do not believe that sacrificing people’s happiness and natural human rights for the greater majority is logical. Mecham provides examples of some of the costs he believes were outweighed by the benefits; “It was neither easy nor quick: the destruction of Native American cultures; the ravages of slavery; the horrors of the Civil War; and the bitterness of Jim Crow attest to that. (31)” Instead of choosing to look at the individual harm and destruction our country inflicted; like most Americans; Mecham chooses to look past it since he believes the benefits outweigh the costs.Mecham is able to cover a very wide breadth throughout his book. He begins with his strongest argument; where he analyzes the Founding Fathers ability to create an equal balance between church and state. He states how according to Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence; they ensured that “all men are created equal” (Mecham 7). Meacham provides evidence that since our country was founded on men being equal; this led to religious freedom. Madison states that “we cannot deny equal freedom to those minds that have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us. (Mecham 11)” Through this evidence; Madison is clearly stating that although he may believe in a certain religion; he doesn’t believe that taking away religious freedom and forcing people to believe what he does is the right idea. He will give people the option of following his faith in hope that eventually they will follow his religion and ultimately share the benefits with him.Author Jonathan Woods; reviewed Jon Meacham's The American Gospel; and provides valuable insight in understanding Mechams claims. Contrary to the beliefs of Mecham; Woods believes that the Founding Fathers had nothing to do with the separation between church and state. Woods claims that although there is no formal connection between the two; there are still many Americans who attend church or practice a religion. He then goes on to mention the reasoning for the separation between church and state. “Everywhere the state supported churches in the colonies were surrounded by growing numbers of dissenters whom the churches were forced to recognize and tolerate. (Wood 3)” He is proving that combining the two led to an array of problems; and therefore keeping them seperate was the wisest decision. Later on the American Revolution and Great Awakening allowed the church and state to be separated while still allowing people to practice religious freedom. He then goes on to claim that “We do not; and cannot; base American constitutional jurisprudence on the historical reality of the founding. (7)” In this claim he is stating that we can’t believe that the Founding had anything to do with the separation of wall and state. Meacham claims “the Founders succeeded in assigning religion to its proper place in civil society (6)”; however Woods believes this is not true and can only be claimed because of the misconception in incorporating the First amendment into the fourteenth amendment; and then relating it to the states which was never intended. He claims that Meacham forgets that “back then the First Amendment only applied to the federal government and not to all the states”(Woods 6). He is implying that Mecham did not do enough research on his claims regarding the separation of church and state having to do with the Founding Fathers. Woods commentary is both very persuasive and beneficial to the reader because is able to both provide his own research; and he is able to pick out Meacham’s mistakes and correct him.Although Mechams quotations do provide clear evidence to prove his claims; they end up being very excessive and take up the majority of the book. Rather than being a novel; his writing turns into more of a drawn out essay. If he had added less quotations and more of his own analysis; the book would be far more entertaining to read.After finishing the novel; I gained a new perspective on the role of religion in America; and feel very informed about many of the events that led to our country being the way it is today. I had never been fully informed or aware of the how important the role of religion has been in America and how much history was behind it. Although at times his novel consisted of excessive amounts of quotes; Jon Meacham did a quality job of providing the reader with new insights and perspective. I would recommend this book for people who are seeking a new perspective on the role of religion in America. Since Mechams claims are somewhat controversial; this novel would suit someone who is well educated on the founding of America and can read the novel; while understanding which of Meacham's claims are false; and which ones are able to offer a new insight to the role of religion in America.