image

The Politics of Heaven
2007, book cover
Publisher: W. W. Norton
1 of 3

The way we understand death--and the possibilities of an afterlife--are at the center of an inchoate movement that started after World War II and, without a leader or a formal structure, has grown to influence every aspect of American life, from religion to politics to economics. Although this “movement” is generally regarded as Christian Fundamentalist, Shorris argues that it is far more widespread. He offers a historical perspective on religion in the U.S., from Calvinist doctrine marrying religion and capitalism to the conservative modern-day gospels as preached by Billy Graham and Jerry Falwell. Drawing on research and interviews with political figures and advisors, academics, and theologians, Shorris examines the confluence of history, philosophy, experiences, and “elemental feelings” that have gained enough momentum to become a movement of the fearful. Fear has led to a pessimism that is driving decisions about who we elect to the presidency, how we approach global warming, and how we view the poor. Shorris eloquently offers a penetrating and unsettling look at American fear birthed by the horrors of the atom bomb and nurtured by 9/11 that promises to have an enduring impact on global and domestic policy for generations to come. --From Booklist

Heaven, or a very large explosion: You decide. Loren Flaherty, who was working for me at the time, did a number of very nice studies for this book. I still wonder why they passed on these.

Co-design: Loren Flaherty

>>Next