Robert Tracy McKenzie

American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“John Wilsey takes the concept of American exceptionalism—a cultural lightning rod if ever there was one—and helps us to think deeply about it. Both historian and theologian, Wilsey's larger goal is to help American Christians think historically and Christianly about our national identity. Rather than pushing us either to embrace or reject the view of America as exceptional, he argues persuasively that there are expressions of exceptionalism that the Christian can affirm, as well as aspects that the faithful believer must renounce. His book helps us to discern between the two. Any thinking Christian who aspires to patriotism without idolatry would benefit from reading this fine work.”

Religious Freedom

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“John Wilsey has written an invaluable book for readers who long to think critically and Christianly about conservatism, nationalism, religion, and the future of America. Wilsey’s analysis is both passionate and deeply learned, written with an eye to the present but grounded in wisdom from across the centuries. His analysis of Christian nationalism and what passes for conservatism in the contemporary United States is timely and trenchant, thoughtful and thought-provoking.”