Americanism: The Fourth Great Western Religion - Hardcover

What does it mean to "believe" in America? Why do we speak of our country as having a higher purpose? Author Gelernter traces the emergence of America as the embodiment of a powerful religious idea. Americanism begins with the Puritan settlers in New England who saw themselves as the new children of Israel and whose faith-based ideals of liberty, equality, and democratic governance had a greater influence on the nation's founders than the Enlightenment. These concepts were gradually transformed into a secular religion of freedom, with followers throughout the world. Its adherents have included oppressed peoples everywhere--from the patriots of the Hungarian Revolution to the martyred Chinese dissidents of Tiananmen Square. Americanism is a powerful reminder of America's dedication to spreading freedom--surely one of the most profound and beautiful religious ideas the world has ever known.--From publisher description.A leading conservative thinker traces the origins and evolution of America as a powerful religious idea, examining the influence of America's idealistic fighting faith on key historical events, from the founding of the first colonies to the War on Terror.