Popular Evangelicalism in American Culture explores the controversies, complexities, and historical development of the evangelical movement in America and its impact on American culture. Evangelicalism is one of the most dynamic and growing religious movements in America and has been both a major force in shaping American society and likewise a group which has resisted aspects of the modern world. Organised thematically this book demonstrates the impact of American culture on popular evangelicalism by exploring the following topics:
- politics;
- economics;
- salvation;
- millennialism;
- the megachurch and electronic churches;
- and popular culture.
This accessible and thought-provoking volume will interest anyone concerned with the modern-day success of the Evangelical movement in America.
Preface
1. At Home in American Culture
2. One Nation Under God
3. One Market Under God
4. The Millennial Nation: Two Versions
5. An Evangelical Gospel Takes Shape
6. What Can God Do For Me
7. The Bigger the Better: Megachurches and American Culture
8. Religion Can Be Entertaining: The Electronic Church
9. Evangelicalism Embraces the Popular Culture
10. Epilogue
Select Bibliography
Index
Biography
Richard G. Kyle is Professor Emeritus of History and Religion, Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, USA.
In this deeply researched but also very readable book, Kyle takes a hard look at the pervasively popular character of evangelical Christianity as it has developed in the United States. It is just the book for those who hope to think - and not just react or pontificate - about the place of evangelicals in contemporary American society. Mark Noll, McAnaney Professor of History Emeritus, University of Notre Dame, USA
Evangelicals and interested outsiders who wonder why evangelicals seem so at ease in the currents of popular culture will find Kyle’s argument worth considering. Seth Dowland, Associate Professor of Religion, Pacific Lutheran Univeristy, USA
