American Providence: A Nation with a Mission

(Hardback)

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"...his reflections are provocative, bold, and helpful." -First Things, 2/05
"Webb pulls no punches in going up against contemporary theologians of the stature of Hauerwas and Milbank, even as he walks the fine line between emboldening faith and fostering triumphalism...Yet because he is widely read across the liberal-conservative spectrum and takes a stand, Webb is here to stay as one of the leading conservative voices in the North American theological arena. Stay tuned for more on the world-wide-Webb." Amos Young, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 33, No. 3, July 2007 -- Amos Young
"Stephen Webb is a man on a mission. Frustrated by liberal Christian Know-Nothingism in the wake of 9/11, Webb provides one of the most provocative, trenchant, and perceptive assessments of the distinctive vocation of the globally dominant, unequivocally capitalist and vibrantly Christian nation called "America." No tedious academic anti-Americanism here. Webb's vision is fresh, ambitious, and informed."--Russell Reno, Associate Professor of Theological Ethics, Creighton University -- Russell Reno * Blurb from reviewer *
In this provocative new book, Stephen Webb sharply challenges the leftist view of religion and politics, the view held dear by most academics. This is essential reading for all who want to think theologically and intelligently about matters of extreme importance for the role of Christianity in the emerging world order."--Jerry Walls, Professor, Philosophy of Religion, Asbury Theological Seminary -- Jerry Walls * Blurb from reviewer *
"At a time when both liberal democracy and worldwide capitalism are derided by so many thinkers, Webb subjects both ideas to a thoughtful analysis, asking about their theological implications and even about their providential relationship to the Christian faith. Whether he is discussing liberation theology, open theism, global Pentecostalism or Stanley Hauerwas, Webb writes incisively and with lively prose. He is one of the few theologians who can consistently deliver serious and creative thinking together with a crisp, highly-readable style. American Providence is not a jingoistic celebration of American exceptionalism. It is, rather, a careful analysis of America's close relationship to the rhetoric and theology of divine providence--and how such providence may be operative today. One can only thank Webb for masterfully tackling a difficult and yet crucial theological issue."--Thomas G. Guarino, Professor of Systematic Theology, Seton Hall University -- Thomas Guarino * Blurb from reviewer *
"This book is at once courageous, provocative, and learned. Webb rejuvenates and makes current arguments that have long been repressed, while respectfully engaging those who will fiercely disagree. Wherever people think seriously about America, world history, and the mysterious purposes of God, American Providence will be at the center of a long overdue debate."--The Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, editor-in-chief, First Things -- The Rev. Richard John Neuhaus * Blurb from reviewer *
"Stephen Webb is a man on a mission. Frustrated by liberal Christian Know-Nothingism in the wake of 9/11, Webb provides one of the most provocative, trenchant, and perceptive assessments of the distinctive vocation of the globally dominant, unequivocally capitalist and vibrantly Christian nation called America.' No tedious academic anti-Americanism here. Webb's vision is fresh, ambitious, and informed." -Rusty Reno * Blurb from reviewer *
"In this provocative new book, Stephen Webb sharply challenges the leftist view of religion and politics, the view held dear by most academics. This is essential reading for all who want to think theologically and intelligently about matters of extreme importance for the role of Christianity in the emerging world order. The book will be deeply controversial in the best sense of the word. It is controversial because it deals with the combustible mix of politics and religion, sharply challenging the view cherished by most academics. It is deeply so because it examines the issues by way of profoundly informed theological analysis." -Jerry Walls, Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Asbury Theological Seminary * Blurb from reviewer *
"Webb writes lucidly, even eloquently, at times." -Choice, June 2005 * Choice *
"A good book ought to be engaging and serious, and Webb's book is certainly both." -Christian Century, 4/5/05 * Christian Century *
"Webb nicely shows that, however much they try to distance themselves from the doctrine of Providence, theologians and politicians cannot avoid the providential task of reading the signs of the times... American Providence is based upon a number of insights concerning the relationship Christianity, American democracy, and globalism...Webb makes a persuasive case against both the prevailing secular ethos, which continues to embrace the untenable anthropology of Enlightenment liberalism, and a Christian ecclesiocentrism, which moves God from the global, historical stage to the splendid isolation of the Church's internally focused story and practice....Webb is correct that we must read the signs of the times....I will recommend his book not only because it reveals how essential the doctrine of Providence is for public life today, but because it offers an example of the dangerous corruptions to which it is always prone." - Political Theology -- Tom Beach-Verhey * Political Theology *

Author Bio

Stephen H. Webb is Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana. He is the author of seven books, including The Divine Voice, Good Eating, On God and Dogs and The Gifting of God.