When the Christian Right burst onto the scene in the late 1970s; many political observers were shocked. But; as God's Own Party demonstrates; they shouldn't have been. The Christian Right goes back much farther than most journalists; political scientists; and historians realize. Relying on extensive archival and primary source research; Daniel K. Williams presents the first comprehensive history of the Christian Right; uncovering how evangelicals came to see the Republican Party as the vehicle through which they could reclaim America as a Christian nation. A fascinating and much-needed account of a key force in American politics; God's Own Party is the only full-scale analysis of the electoral shifts; cultural changes; and political activists at the movement's core--showing how the Christian Right redefined politics as we know it.
#256284 in Books Oxford University Press; USA 2012-04-01 2012-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .90 x 9.20l; .95 #File Name: 0199895775304 pages
Review
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A Historic Microcosm; A Valuable LessonBy Dr. Debra Jan BibelHistory; despite the series of great; often socially cataclysmic; events taught in school or emphasized by civic commemorizations; is composed of increments and a nexus of myriad causes and effects. Author Richard Archer focuses on the background of the occupation of Boston by regiments of British soliders that led to the famous Boston Massacre. It is a story of economics. Straddled with huge debts from the Seven Years War with France and a home populace intolerant of increased taxes; England sought to place the financial burden onto the colonies in America; which as we all know had no representation in Parliament. The story unfolds on how Boston merchants abetted by newspapers and the rabble attempted to remedy the situation over the ensuing years and how the many missteps in policy; in factional disputes; and in later massive military presence slowly radicalized the populace. We also learn of the racism within New England; where slavery existed; and how the free Afro-Caribbean drummers of the British troops were regarded with disdain. The rich details of this scholarly book are like brush strokes in a developing painting. While the action moves slowly until the crescendo of the Massacre itself; the picture is of cautious skirmishes; fear and protest; taunts and simmering anger; blunders; and layer upon layer of political ploys. As we read; the rising tension of the populace is perceived. This is a valuable book that offers a historical microcosm. [Indeed; I recall a time when my university city was under occupation by state; regional; and local police and also by the military. I understand exactly what those Bostonian citizens felt. I saw similar fear in the eyes of isolated but armed police; one with gun drawn; when confronting a taunting crowd and I witnessed many abuses by police on innocent citizens. That situation; too; was a series of larger political and local societal errors.] Thus; the book warns us; in this age of sound bites and knee-jerk emotional appeals; to be very cautious before reaching conclusions and initiating actions. "As If an Enemy's Country" is a fine addition to the history of the American Revolution; and it leaves the reader with much to ponder.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Elizabeth MeesGreat book - arrived as noted and prompt service - thank you!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Cheryl BradleyExcellent!
