Denis Lacorne identifies two competing narratives defining the American identity. The first narrative; derived from the philosophy of the Enlightenment; is essentially secular. Associated with the Founding Fathers and reflected in the Declaration of Independence; the Constitution; and the Federalist Papers; this line of reasoning is predicated on separating religion from politics to preserve political freedom from an overpowering church. Prominent thinkers such as Voltaire; Thomas Paine; and Jean-Nicolas Démeunier; who viewed the American project as a radical attempt to create a new regime free from religion and the weight of ancient history; embraced this American effort to establish a genuine "wall of separation" between church and state. The second narrative is based on the premise that religion is a fundamental part of the American identity and emphasizes the importance of the original settlement of America by New England Puritans. This alternative vision was elaborated by Whig politicians and Romantic historians in the first half of the nineteenth century. It is still shared by modern political scientists such as Samuel Huntington. These thinkers insist America possesses a core; stable "Creed" mixing Protestant and republican values. Lacorne outlines the role of religion in the making of these narratives and examines; against this backdrop; how key historians; philosophers; novelists; and intellectuals situate religion in American politics.
#939661 in Books 2011-03-15 2011-03-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.05 x 6.00l; 1.45 #File Name: 0231140770472 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Dry /bedtime reading but very knowledgeableBy Mom of many SonsHad to read for a world history class for future professors.. we read many books this semester this was the driest and most difficult to read .. it was super informative which is why I only took away one star - someone else may love it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating but difficult to unravelBy CustomerThe book reveals the history of borders and border controls. Europe thinks it is a new phenomen. But the influx of Chinese people in the USA already created the most instruments and the ways to avoid them. The book is very densily written en it takes some time to warm up to it.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. ACADEMIC STUDYBy Wooley in PSLProfessor Adam McKeown is with prestigious Columbia University and has written serial studies. Now you need to know going in that this book is a study. It is scholarly and sometimes a tough read for an old guy like me. Definitely not my typical beach read.But that said this is an interesting work. The author offers us a comprehensive history of `globalization;' which he defines in the introduction. Basically he looks at movement of people and the effect of increased border control on nations and immigration. He argues that much of the push for border control comes from the rise of attempts to control Asian migration. The study even gets to America and Europe in its examination. The book is a detailed study that looks at economics as well as national identity. Again this book is not a casual read but if you are into global studies; this is currently the volume to own.
