ISBN War and the American Difference (Theological Reflections on Violence and National Identity) book English Paperback 208 pages

Disenthralling Americans from war will require an authentic realism that displaces the illusions commonly passing for realism. Hauerwas continues the vital work of planting the signposts that show us the way.'--Andrew J. Bacevich, Boston University; author of Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent WarHow are American identity and America's presence in the world shaped by war, and what does God have to do with it? In this compelling volume, Stanley Hauerwas helps readers reflect theologically on war, church, justice, and nonviolence, exploring such issues as how America depends on war for its identity, how war affects the soul of a nation, the sacrifices that war entails, and why war is considered 'necessary,' especially in America. He also examines the views of nonviolence held by Martin Luther King Jr. and C. S. Lewis, how Jesus constitutes the justice of God, and the relationship between congregational ministry and Christian formation in America. Students and teachers of Christian theology and ethics, American church history, and American cultural studies will value this work.ContentsIntroductionPart 1: America and War1. War and the American Difference2. America's God3. Why War Is a Moral Necessity for AmericaPart 2: The Liturgy of War4. Reflections on the 'Appeal to Abolish War'5. Sacrificing the Sacrifices of War6. C. S. Lewis and Violence7. Martin Luther King Jr. and Christian NonviolencePart 3: The Ecclesial Difference8. Jesus, the Justice of God9. Pentecost: Learning the Languages of Peace10. A Worldly Church: Politics, Theology, and the Common Good11. A Particular Place: The Future of Parish Ministry12. Beyond the Boundaries: The Church Is MissionIndex