The Everyday Crusade
Christian Nationalism in American Politics

This book explores how the religious nationalist ideology of American Religious Exceptionalism (ARE) contributes to the American public's self-promoting, exclusionary, and sometimes illiberal attitudes.

Eric L. McDaniel (Author), Irfan Nooruddin (Author), Allyson F. Shortle (Author)

9781316516263, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 May 2022

300 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 2.2 cm, 0.58 kg

'Highly recommended.' J. Jaeger, Choice

What is causing the American public to move more openly into alt-right terrain? What explains the uptick in anti-immigrant hysteria, isolationism, and an increasing willingness to support alternatives to democratic governance? The Everyday Crusade provides an answer. The book points to American Religious Exceptionalism (ARE), a widely held religious nationalist ideology steeped in myth about the nation's original purpose. The book opens with a comprehensive synthesis of research on nationalism and religion in American public opinion. Making use of survey data spanning three different presidential administrations, it then develops a new theory of why Americans form extremist attitudes, based on religious exceptionalism myths. The book closes with an examination of what's next for an American public that confronts new global issues, alongside existing challenges to perceived cultural authority. Timely and enlightening, The Everyday Crusade offers a critical touchstone for better understanding American national identity and the exclusionary ideologies that have plagued the nation since its inception.

Introduction
1. Myths, Gods, and Nations
2. Who are the Believers?
3. Who Dwells in His House?
4. What Do We Owe Strangers?
5. Evangelizing American Religious Exceptionalism
6. Governing the Temple
7. The View from the Back Pews
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Public opinion & polls [JPVK], Political science & theory [JPA], Religion & politics [HRAM2]