Bowing Toward Babylon

The Nationalistic Subversion of Christian Worship in America

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
Cover of the book Bowing Toward Babylon by Craig M. Watts, Wipf and Stock Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Craig M. Watts ISBN: 9781532611735
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers Publication: March 8, 2017
Imprint: Cascade Books Language: English
Author: Craig M. Watts
ISBN: 9781532611735
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Publication: March 8, 2017
Imprint: Cascade Books
Language: English

What is being done in worship when national holidays are celebrated, the American flag is displayed and honored, and songs are sung that extol the nation? Are these benign gestures? Or could they actually be idolatrous? In this insightful and persuasively argued study Craig M. Watts contends the inclusion of elements of American nationalism in worship is detrimental to the integrity of Christian worship. He maintains that in faithful worship the story of Jesus must be re-presented and performed in such a way that the only affections and loyalty that are fostered are those Christians everywhere rightfully share. To do otherwise opens the door to idolatry and leaves the church doing what Watts calls "bowing toward Babylon." He reviews the development of the symbols, songs, and gestures that celebrate America and how they were introduced into worship. Watts concludes that the spirituality of American Christian nationalism does not complement the faith of the church but distorts it, hindering global Christian unity and the peaceable witness of the church in a divided world.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What is being done in worship when national holidays are celebrated, the American flag is displayed and honored, and songs are sung that extol the nation? Are these benign gestures? Or could they actually be idolatrous? In this insightful and persuasively argued study Craig M. Watts contends the inclusion of elements of American nationalism in worship is detrimental to the integrity of Christian worship. He maintains that in faithful worship the story of Jesus must be re-presented and performed in such a way that the only affections and loyalty that are fostered are those Christians everywhere rightfully share. To do otherwise opens the door to idolatry and leaves the church doing what Watts calls "bowing toward Babylon." He reviews the development of the symbols, songs, and gestures that celebrate America and how they were introduced into worship. Watts concludes that the spirituality of American Christian nationalism does not complement the faith of the church but distorts it, hindering global Christian unity and the peaceable witness of the church in a divided world.

More books from Wipf and Stock Publishers

Cover of the book Mission in the Early Church by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book Seeing-Remembering-Connecting by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book Living Spiritual Praxis by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book A Guide to Pentecostal Movements for Lutherans by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book The Morally Divided Body by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book CALVIN@500 by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book Shalom Yesterday, Today, and Forever by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book The New Yoder by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book The Church as Salt and Light by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book John Knox by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book Leadership in the Way of the Cross by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book A Simple Systematic Mariology by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book Christian Dying by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book The Gift of Beauty and the Passion of Being by Craig M. Watts
Cover of the book Gospel Overtures by Craig M. Watts
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy