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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
Read this some years ago and checked it out again thinking Sharlet's latest on the C Street house. Disturbing, and as far as I know Sharlet is the only journalist to write extensively about this specific strain of Christian fundamentalism.
fascinating -- and ripped from the headlines (ok, I mean Doonesbury), a deep (too deep) look into a weird fundamentalist branch and it's enabled politicians.
but ultimately, even with global right wing consipracy, this ended up finishing as a bore. Doonesbury covered it better.
but ultimately, even with global right wing consipracy, this ended up finishing as a bore. Doonesbury covered it better.
A lot to think about.
Elite fundamentalists-the powerful-senators, representatives and the White House-contacts and influence.
Popular fundamentalists-the mega-churches-their take on American history-their role: to obey.
I liked Sharlet's history of Fundamentalism in the US (a lot of Northwest ties!). His first chapter on his contact with Ivanwald (a "retreat" house for the powerful and training ground for those who aspire to be)was disjointed.
Some of Sharlet's discussions were a little fuzzy to me.
Elite fundamentalists-the powerful-senators, representatives and the White House-contacts and influence.
Popular fundamentalists-the mega-churches-their take on American history-their role: to obey.
I liked Sharlet's history of Fundamentalism in the US (a lot of Northwest ties!). His first chapter on his contact with Ivanwald (a "retreat" house for the powerful and training ground for those who aspire to be)was disjointed.
Some of Sharlet's discussions were a little fuzzy to me.
Most of this book was very interesting, but it took me a long time to get through because so much of it was so infuriating! Power... that's what this whole thing is about, and people being manipulated so craftily they don't even notice (like our government).
This book can be choppy – not so much in terms of quality as focus, since good chunks of it are from earlier articles. It moves from a fascinating and insightful history of the development of elite fundamentalism (and, especially in the chapters beginning with Abraham Vereide and the Seattle labor movement, its collaboration with the capitalist elite), to reportorial encounters with Colorado’s mega churches and more populist fundamentalist forms.
But despite this shifting focus, what really sets Sharlet’s work apart from so many others dealing with fundamentalism is that he takes his subject seriously rather than condescendingly. As a result, instead of seeking facile explanations, he gets inside fundamentalist theology as many others don’t, and this is among the book’s greatest values. Sharlet is equally adept narrating history, telling stories, and explicating theology. All in all a very worthwhile read, even if you’re already familiar with some of the material.
But despite this shifting focus, what really sets Sharlet’s work apart from so many others dealing with fundamentalism is that he takes his subject seriously rather than condescendingly. As a result, instead of seeking facile explanations, he gets inside fundamentalist theology as many others don’t, and this is among the book’s greatest values. Sharlet is equally adept narrating history, telling stories, and explicating theology. All in all a very worthwhile read, even if you’re already familiar with some of the material.
I hit what felt like the most interminable slog through the history of 18th century religious revivalism and never could recapture any desire to pick it up.
A fascinating history of evangelism/fundementalism and politics in America. Not entirely what I expected, but worth it if nothing else for this line from the last page: "Such a question isn't to be found in revelation, but in exodus, the act of stepping into the unknown."
This book bent my mind - in a good way! As relevant (maybe more so?) today as when it was first written, Sharlet's writing has clarified for me a lot of the discord and confusion I've been feeling in regards to our current moment in politics. Not to say the book is an answer or a solution to the questions, but rather it made me feel like I could start asking NEW questions.
Sharlet's writing is clear and compassionate. The material never felt sensationalized or cheapened; the sensitivity with which he presents individuals is something I appreciated, even when I found myself in complete disagreement with their views. At the same time, the heaviness of the subject matter is never compromised.
This book felt necessary to me and I'm looking forward to reading more of Sharlet's work.
Sharlet's writing is clear and compassionate. The material never felt sensationalized or cheapened; the sensitivity with which he presents individuals is something I appreciated, even when I found myself in complete disagreement with their views. At the same time, the heaviness of the subject matter is never compromised.
This book felt necessary to me and I'm looking forward to reading more of Sharlet's work.
