Religion and Empire: People, Power, and the Life of the Spirit

by Richard A. Horsley

Horsley brings his considerable skills to bear on the timely questions concerning religious rhetoric and empire-building. How do the teachings of Jesus affect our understanding of the uses of power? How can we understand the invocation of God in modern political rhetoric? These questions and more are explored in order to help readers develop a clearer sense of modern religious and political issues.

Genres: History, Religion

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2003

Reviews

[Abram Overturf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horsley demonstrates the anti-imperial origins of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity in the efficient first half of this work. The second half devotes itself to convincingly arguing that American imperialism is a religion deconstructing our ostensible separation of religion and state with the symbols and rituals of capitalist consumerism and a claimed divine right over the world.

[Rob Vanhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the the thought of Richard Horsley. Seeks to understand how the insight that in the ancient world "religion" was inextricable from power and politics can impact our reading of ancient texts and "religious" movements.

[Waddellski · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, though short, is not an easy read. I had to read it slowly and let everything sink in, but it was well worth it. Further evidence that West Christianity is very, very far from what it was intended to be. Unfortunately, I'm left wondering what to do about it.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting quick read on the non-spiritual side of religions. Chapters broken down by religion/location. Great chapter on "Christmas" and its imperial origins.