One Nation Under Graham - by Jonathan D Redding (Hardcover)

About the Book

In the same way that Daniel and Revelation warned of the dangers of unchecked political power and misplaced priorities, One Nation under Graham uses Graham's interpretations to urge all of us to consider under whom we serve and under what flag we kneel.

Book Synopsis

For centuries, particular readings of the biblical text have shaped the course of Western history. Scripture, used as a political totem for those in power, gives divine weight to political agendas. This trajectory is particularly evident in the fiery career of Billy Graham, "America's evangelist." Graham's rhetoric, steeped in his political appropriation of Scripture, ultimately motivated the insertion of "under God" into the pledge of allegiance: his message of national repentance made its way to President Dwight Eisenhower, who converted it into legislation and changed history. America became self-consciously a nation under God, over against the world.

One Nation under Graham investigates how one man's interpretation of the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation has impacted how the United States sees itself on a global and cosmic scale. Jonathan Redding argues that Graham rode the wave of American xenophobia to rebrand evangelical patriotism as essential to national stability and cosmic balance. A survey of Graham's influences reveals that, while Graham was far from the only Christian leader to preach gloom and doom, he was one of the first to make the theme publicly and profoundly American. Graham's influence and drive to make America a nation "under God" ensured that, with the recitation of the American pledge, his reading of Scripture would endure. Redding further shows the continued capacity of "under God" to equip contemporary leadership to leverage Christian faith for personal gain with a political base.

Graham's response to major political and global events created a thoroughly American apocalyptic lens that continues to be used to give life and potency to biblical interpretations. In the same way that Daniel and Revelation warned of the dangers of unchecked political power and misplaced priorities, One Nation under Graham uses Graham's interpretations to urge all of us to consider under whom we serve and under what flag we kneel.

Review Quotes

"Redding is certainly correct in his general assessment of Graham as an important promoter of America's nationalistic religion."

--David B. Parker, professor of history at Kennesaw State University (Georgia). "Reading Religion"

...Redding compellingly demonstrates how the fusion of apocalyptic preaching with American exceptionalism shaped one era, leaving a contentious legacy that remains with us seventy years later.

--Greg Carey, Lancaster theological Seminary "Review of Biblical Literature"

Redding examineshow Graham gained access to world leaders, his influence leading to the insertion of "one nationunder God" into the Pledge of Allegiance, with "In God We Trust" adopted as the national mottosoon after...Redding compellingly demonstrates how the fusion of apocalyptic preaching with Americanexceptionalism shaped one era, leaving a contentious legacy that remains with us seventy yearslater

--Greg Carey, Lancaster Theological Seminary "Society of Biblical Literature"

One Nation Under Graham is a worthy contribution to an importantconversation. Redding does an excellent job of demonstrating the ways in which various preachers and theologians gained proximity, both directly and indirectly, to real legislative power, and reflects thoughtfully on the present implications of that process.

--Jake Raabe "Baptist History and Heritage Journal"

About the Author

Jonathan D. Redding is Assistant Professor of Religion at Nebraska Wesleyan University.