Myths America Lives by

In this scintillating study of the development of the American epic, historian of religion Richard T. Hughes focuses on five major myths--and two lesser spin-off conceptions, manifest destiny and American capitalism--that gained currency with the earliest days of the nation and have grown, in some cases morphed, and in all instances still remain powerful statements of national belief. Myths, Hughes reminds us, is not so much a fable or falsehood, as it is a story, a kind of poetry, about events and situations that have great significance both for those involved and those that follow. Myths are, in fact, essential truths for the members of a cultural group who hold them, enact them, or perceive them. They are sometimes expressed in diffuse ideologies, but in literate societies like the United States they are also embedded in historical stories about our past. First, Hughes explores the myth of the United States as a chosen nation. It is no secret that the Puritan immigrants to America from England viewed themselves as God's elect favored above all others. It is less well known that a sense of "chosen-ness" motivated others who came to America and this sense of exceptionalism has found expression throughout the nation's history. The United States is a new "land of Canaan," to use a religious conception, but this sense need not be solely expressed in religious tones. While Hughes focuses on religious conceptions, he notes that America as a land of opportunity where all may achieve their proper rewards through diligence and hard work is a part of this belief as well. Central to this sense of "chosen-ness" is the idea of a national covenant in which the inhabitants live justly and are rewarded as a result. At it's best, this myth calls on Americans to shoulder responsibilities that reflect what Hughes calls our national creed: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Sometimes, perhaps even many times, in our national history, the American civilization has reflected this creed well and in so doing earned the respect and admiration of the world. At other times, and perhaps increasingly as time has passed, Americans have absolutized the myth of the chosen nation and used it to justify the wealth, privilege, and power of the nation as appropriate despite the disparities with other cultures. The second myth that Hughes discusses is America as Nature's Nation. The result of Enlightenment thinking in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, this myth suggests that the natural order of things is for all humans to be free and have liberty to do as they wish. At its most idealistic this myth affirms the American creed better than any other concept held by inhabitants of the United States. Absolutized, in Hughes' parlance, it "might suggest that whatever foreign policies America migh

Why do Americans feel comfortable asserting America's position of moral leadership in the world? Richard T. Hughes attempts to address this question by delving into the underlying beliefs that make up the American identity. Hughes explores several key ages in our history and brings to bear the voices of the majority and minority in each time that shaped how we see ourselves and more importantly, shape how we think God sees America. The result is a reflective work of engaging analysis into what the forces were that forged our identity and how today these forces still influence our culture. Hughes' book is extremely thorough, well-researched and should stand up to the most critical academic rigor. Whether you are an American Christian or an American trying to understand American Christianity, this book raises issues of fundamental importance to understanding what our nation is (and is not) and why.

If you want to know where your going! You need to know where you came from! If you ever wanted to get a real understanding of what shaped the landscape of Religion in America you need to read what Dr. Hughes has contributed. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to grow as an individual in multiple dimensions. This is a rare "non-sectarian" historical contribution that has the power to unite, inspire, educate, & defend. If you have the couarage to change your mind? Then read the book!

If there has been an ideal time for a book like this to hit the market, the time is now. "Myths America Lives By" is a very powerful and insightful book that may come as a hard knock to many readers, but is critically important to acknowledge. Dr. Hughes has dug deep into America's history to uproot key events, philosophies, and struggles, to challenge key myths that have become part of the American landscape. To understand today, we must review the past, and this book has done just that. What is refreshing about this book is that it is not the history book that you read in high school with cookie-cutter type descriptions of the highlights of American history. Instead we are given a view from the poor, the oppressed, and the minority viewpoints. A progressive Christian viewpoint is one not often seen in mainstream literature this day in age, and it is nice to see Dr. Hughes representing the view so gracefully. Kudos for a well-written book.

As an American Christian myself, I consider this a must read, especially for all others who also consider themselves both American and Christian. The instinct for many is to combine these two ideologies, having been fed America's absolutized myths over their lifetime. Hughes offers valuable insight into the otherwise difficult separation of the differences between American and Christian ideologies. Non-Christian Americans will appreciate this gem as well. This book has helped shape my worldview, the highest complement I can give.