The state of Michigan hosts one of the largest and most diverse Arab American populations in the United States. As the third largest ethnic population in the state; Arab Americans are an economically important and politically influential group. It also reflects the diversity of national origins; religions; education levels; socioeconomic levels; and degrees of acculturation. Despite their considerable presence; Arab Americans have always been a misunderstood ethnic population in Michigan; even before September 11; 2001 imposed a cloud of suspicion; fear; and uncertainty over their ethnic enclaves and the larger community. In Arab Americans in Michigan Rosina J. Hassoun outlines the origins; culture; religions; and values of a people whose influence has often exceeded their visibility in the state.
#733876 in Books Paul Kivel 2013-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .80 x 6.00l; .90 #File Name: 0865717427304 pagesLiving in the Shadow of the Cross
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A practical text on an often-ignored topicBy CarolineSome types of power and privilege are discussed more than others; and one of the lesser-acknowledged types of oppression is Christian Hegemony. The author of this book; Paul Kivel; defines Christian Hegemony as “the everyday; systematic set of Christian values; individuals; and institutions that dominate all aspects of U.S. society.†This is an important text for those who want to understand the ways in which privileges and benefits exist for those who are raised as or pass as Christians in the U.S. For readers open-minded enough to consider this possibility; the book is very interesting and quite enlightening.Kivel’s book breaks down the ways in which Christian Hegemony work in the U.S. – through the power of individual clergy; parachurch organizations; Christian elites who control important institutions; as well as “the subtle internalization of Christian beliefs†and “the deep legacy of ideas; values; and practices produced within dominant Western Christianity over the centuries that continues to frame our culture and frame our public policies.†Chapter two includes a very useful checklist called “Living in a Christian-Dominant Culture†which checklist can help you to see the ways in which we are influenced and impacted by living in a Christian-dominant society.Chapters three and four are fascinating looks at the ways in which key Christian concepts and ways of thinking influence individuals; societies; and histories. Kivel discusses and gives concrete examples of the impact of concepts like dualism; good vs. evil; sinners in need of salvation; one truth; a linear and finite temporal focus; dominion over nature; etc.; as well as dominant Christian narratives like conversion; captivity and the need for a Savior; charity and benevolent intervention; science and technology; etc. There is another great checklist in chapter four to help you think about how we internalize these ideas. Kivel also does a chapter on the origins and history of Christianity and its influence; which is extremely helpful in understanding important Christian-influenced historical events like the Crusades; witch hunts; the Protestant Reformation; colonization; missionaries; Manifest Destiny; slavery; and even the Jewish Holocaust.One of the most important chapters of the book is chapter six; which helps the reader see the direct links between Christianity and public policy; both domestic and foreign. This is especially critical post 9/11 as Islamophobia has become public policy in many ways. What I most appreciate about this book is that it ends on a hopeful and needed note – the last chapter is titled “Resistance†and discusses how both Christians and those of other faiths can work for change and greater inclusion and pluralism. This chapter also has two great resources: a section on common denials and possible responses and a section on guidelines for Christian allies. These two sections are practical and helped me to think about how I would actually apply what I read about in the text.I can understand why some readers might be put off by the topic of this book or feel defensive. I applaud Paul Kivel for having the courage to write an entire text on a topic that can cause fear and conflict – he is challenging us to think about something that surrounds us everyday in the U.S. but is rarely ever acknowledged. He makes clear that the book is not about Christianity per se; but about dominance. I am a Christian; and while I was familiar with some of the ideas in the book prior to reading; it really opened my eyes to the direct and more subtle ways in which Christian Hegemony functions on a societal level as well as in the way that I view events and my perspective on the world. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand and learn more about this topic; and I think it would be particularly useful for educators and activists working on issues of religious intolerance.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Kivel has provided us with a great guide for understanding the way Christianity has shaped our ...By Ted McKnightKivel has provided us with a great guide for understanding the way Christianity has shaped our thinking; actions and culture. He has pointed us in the direction of dealing with this in a positive way; but nobody said it is going to be easy.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Bright side of Christianity acknowledged/dark side revealedBy M. HillIt is the first book I've seen that shows both the good and the bad role of the church from centuries ago to the present time.
