ebooks Suppliers to the Confederacy II: S Isaac Campbell Co.; London; Peter Tait Co.; Limerick by Craig L. Barry; David C. Burt in History

Description

In this trenchant examination of Christianity’s dark side; a criminologist argues persuasively that high rates of violent crime in the United States can be correlated with Christian conservative attitudes; especially in regard to social mores and politics. Of particular concern is “Christian nationalism.” Supporters of this movement argue that America was founded as a Christian nation and they work to install their fundamentalist brand of Christianity as the dominant factor in American political and social life. Far from being a fanatic outlier sect; this group is shown to have significant cultural influence; especially in the American South. Not coincidentally; the author suggests; the South also has the highest homicide rates. Noting the violent biblical passages often cited by religious conservatives; their sense of righteousness; their dogmatic mindset that tolerates no dissent; and their support for harshly punitive measures toward “sinners;” Peterson Sparks shows that their worldview is the ideal seedbed for violence. Not only does this mindset make violent reactions in interpersonal conflicts more likely; the author says; but it exacerbates the problems of the criminal justice system by advocating policies that create high incarceration rates. The author also devotes particular attention to the victimization of women; children; and LGBT people; which follows from this rigid belief system. While not resorting to a blanket condemnation of Christianity or religion as a whole; Peterson Sparks issues a wake-up call regarding conservative Christianity’s toxic mixture of fundamentalism; authoritarian politics; patriotism; and retributory justice.