Touchdown Jesus

While I disagree with R. Laurence Moore's underlying premise that religion is and should be a private matter (he is most interested when it "trespasses" into the public square which suggests that the private is normative and preferred) he does offer some quality insights into the peculiarities of religion and America. As a secularist, Moore is particularly adept at pointing out the ironies or blurring of Thomas Jefferson's wall of separation. One poignant example is Christmas. All seem to be willing to overlook the Christian roots of this national holiday because of its economic influence. He states, "He suggests that American Protestants had thrown out the holiday of Christmas because it was a Roman Catholic creation. And yet, Christmas slowly eased back into the American consciousness through the practice of giving gifts. Moore states, "American commerce saw a way to make money. American gift giving recalled less the visit of the three magi to the Christ child than the visit of St. Nicholas (later the jolly American Santa Claus)...[which with department stores] transformed Christmas in America into an economic necessity. American prosperity from year to year stands or falls on the success of sales during the holiday season. No imaginable Supreme Court is going to create obstacles to this consumer juggernaut. Nor is any Jewish group or Islamic group likely to finance a test case to bring down Christmas. They too are merchants" (p. 28-29). Even though I disagree with Moore's private/public divide, he does offer some profound insights in the peculiarities of religion in the American context which the church should be aware of.

"Touchdown Jesus" is not R. Laurence Moore's finest work. His writing is at times underwhelming - occaisonally hitting at a level lower than he is usually capable of writing - and the lack of citation makes it difficult for inclusion in a bibliography. However, his analysis is sound and, as an introduction to American religious history, the book is quite good. For those with a good deal of background in the subject, his analysis will be interesting but not necessarily groundbreaking. For those with little knowledge of American religion, this text can be a good introductory experience. I also recoomend Richard Fox's "Jesus in America."

Smart and well thought-out look at the role America's religious community has sought to play (and the role they have actually played) in American history. Very even handed look at the issue, no hidden agenda here - highly recommend!

Yes, some people might not like this book because it causes them to question the Jesus & apple pie patriotism which churches seem to force-feed their members in the south but it is actually quite a brilliant book and extremely clear and well written. Far from being anti-religious this book does not really take a side but simple seeks to provide an objective look at the history of religion in America through all its various veins- social, legal, whatnot... but then again I guess some people (like the previous review) do seem to take objectivity as an assault on their values. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book isn't the insightful views of Moore but just how contrary the facts are to what most of us assume about America's past. For example, at the time of the `founding fathers' church membership was only about 10%! If you want to live out your life within your own little bubble then maybe this book isn't for you - if you enjoy learning and thinking for yourself then I can't recommend this book enough, was truly a breath of fresh air!