Americanism: the Fourth Great Western Religion

What does it mean to "believe" in America? Why do we speak of our country as having a mission or purpose that defines our nation and its role in history? Modern liberals have preached for years that America was founded as a secular state, with religion banned from the public square. David Gelernter argues in this authoritative account that America is not secular at all, but a powerful religious idea: "Americanism" has its roots in the Bible and is best understood as an extension of traditional Judeo-Christianity. Gelernter traces the evolution of Americanism from its roots among the Puritan founders of our country to its full development in the thought of Abraham Lincoln to the idealistic fighting faith it has become: a proud and determined creed dedicated to spreading freedom around the world. Americanismis a startlingly original argument about the religious meaning of America and why the country is lovedand hatedwith such passion at home and abroad.Gelernter, David is the author of 'Americanism: the Fourth Great Western Religion', published 2008 under ISBN 9780767918633 and ISBN 0767918630.