Chosen Nations: Pursuit of the Kingdom of God and Its Influence on Democratic Values in Late Nineteenth-Century Britain and the United States

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At the heart of the biblical myth of chosenness is the idea that God has blessed a people to be a blessing to others. It is a mission of solemn responsibility. The six British and American thinkers examined by Christina L. Littlefield in this study embraced the myth of chosenness for their countries, believing the liberties they enjoyed were inherently tied to their Protestant faith and that it was their mission to protect and spread that faith, and its democratic fruit, at home and abroad. This study illustrates how American sociologist Robert Bellah’s concept of civil religion functioned for good and evil in both countries. Praise for Chosen Nations “BecauseChristinaLittlefieldhelpsusseewhatwehavenotseenwellbefore—thetransnational dimensions of America’s civil religion—this book is crucial reading for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of religion and politics in the Western world. Littlefield’s incisive analysis helps us discern the deep moral ambiguities that inevitably plague efforts to build the kingdom of God around a nation, a race, or a particular civilization. This enormously stimulating book implicitly suggests another fruitful comparison—the extent to which the Christian Left of the late nineteenth century has paradoxically informed the civic faith of America’s Christian Right today.” Richard T. Hughes | Messiah College “The great value of Christina Littlefield’s book lies in its bringing together of what has too often been studied in mutual isolation. Christian reformers in late nineteenth-century Britain and their contemporaries in the United States, ideas of civil religion and of the social gospel, and concepts of the kingdom of God and of the chosen nation, are all brought into relationship in a way that is both original and illuminating.” Brian Stanley | University of Edinburgh “Christina Littlefield has provided a perceptive, original and highly readable account of the social gospel movement in its trans-Atlantic context, exploring how American and British proponents sought to preserve a Christian social ethic amid rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. She admirably portrays the attractions in their efforts to shape a humane civil society, but also the dangers of their language of ‘chosenness’ and divine favour.” Stewart J. Brown | University of Edinburgh Exploring the concept of “civil religion” as a force for good, and for evil— Christina L. Littlefield is assistant professor of communication and religion at Seaver College, Pepperdine University. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. This volume is a revision of a dissertation completed at the University of Cambridge under the direction of David M. Thompson. Religion / Church History Littlefield Chosen Nations e m e r g i n g s c h o l a r s Chosen Nations Pursuit of the Kingdom of God and Its Influence on Democratic Values in Late Nineteenth-Century Britain and the United States Christina L. Littlefield ...