So Many Christians; So Few Lions is a provocative look at anti-Christian sentiments in America. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative research; authors George Yancey and David A. Williamson show that even though (or perhaps because) Christianity is the dominant religion in the United States; bias against Christians also exists—particularly against conservative Christians—and that this bias is worth understanding.The book does not attempt to show the prevalence of anti-Christian sentiments—called Christianophobia—but rather to document it; to dig into where and how it exists; to explore who harbors these attitudes; and to examine how this bias plays itself out in everyday life. Excerpts from the authors’ interviews highlight the fear and hatred that some people harbor towards Christians; especially the Christian right; and the ways these people exhibit elements of bigotry; prejudice; and dehumanization. The authors argue that understanding anti-Christian bias is important for understanding some social dynamics in America; and they offer practical suggestions to help reduce religious intolerance of all kinds.
#2351699 in Books 2016-01-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .50 x 6.14l; .0 #File Name: 1440836647170 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. So many times I went to look at the references and was amazed at the research which is proven in those referencesBy Denis J. WinsnessThis is the second of David Fiske's book about Solomon Northup that I have read. I have followed links about this book from several sources; and none of those very positive links does justice for his research and presentation in this book! I cannot remember a time where I kept a bookmark in the references section while reading a book! So many times I went to look at the references and was amazed at the research which is proven in those references. Without them; it could be considered 'opinion' too often but David Fiske presents an incredible accumulation of so many situations backed up by the references making them fact. I often think there is no new history; but the accumulation of so many documented facts into one document is a historical treasure.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Another informative workBy CustomerI am never dissatisfied with this author's informative and easy to read historical works.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A little-discussed horror of American history: free black people stolen and sold into slavery.By lyndonbrechtThis is a quite short book; and the actual narrative is half that; the most valuable part of the book is the last portion; a series of accounts of free black people stolen into slavery. These are variously appalling; hopeful; and touching. The accounts range from a paragraph to several pages.The first half of the book looks at the whole subject--who was stolen; who stole; how it was done; how people resisted; white folks who helped; legal matters. and more; a lot of material in such short portions. Chapter 1 sets it all up. There were a few free states that had laws against the taking of free people into slavery (occasional victims were white but most were African American). Some people were caught and served time for the crime of kidnapping; it's heartening to read that a few times states like Massachusetts sent agents to find and bring back their kidnapped free citizens. Some aspects of law were intentionally unfair--black people in most places could not testify on their own behalf; and a simple oral assertion that the victim was an escaped slave was accepted many places.Chapter 2 discusses the kidnappers and their methods. Among these were stealing unattended children; offering jobs and then seizing the unsuspecting victim; invading houses; grabbing people off the street. A slave could be sold for say $500; a year's wages for a New England carpenter. Interestingly; kidnappers had a bad reputation and sometimes real slave dealers refused to trade with them. Chapter 4 examines resistance. This was accomplished by publicity; public meetings; word on the street; stubbornness of the enslaved; letters and other means. Some southerners were suspicious of someone enslaved who didn't seem like slaves; and wrote letters; and friends; family; ministers and others might search far and wide. Chapter 5 looks at how victims were kept enslaved: this was done by physical and psychological intimidation; giving slave names; destroying paperwork and sales to people off the beaten path. The most heartening chapter is 6; about white people who helped; these included Quakers; conscientious officials; friends of the victims; abolitionists (both individual and organizations) and preachers.Chapter 8 is the long list of cases. Among others is that of George Anderson; kidnapped at age 13 in 1840 New York; he was found; freed and the kidnapper actually spent some years in prison. The case of Emily; George; Louisa and William; an Illinois case in 1849; four white men invaded a home; tied up the father and took the fur children--this is another case that ended well; the children were found and freed. Many were not; vanishing into the slave world in the Plantation South. The number of victims is unknown and likely impossible to find; but that it was considerable seems obvious.
