Hope Deferred: Christianity and American Society

A brief survey of some ways in which Christianity and American culture have affected each other since the coming of European colonists to the New World. Most chapters will focus on politics; most will also touch also upon other facets of culture, such as religious practices, family life, education, work, and occasionally the arts. Even foreign policy will not escape our notice, since Christianity has often proved to be the driving force in the formation - or at least the justification - of our relations with other countries. In general, an examination of the development of Christian faith and practice will precede consideration of other sides of American society, since, as Richard Weaver wrote, ideas do have consequences.

Along the way, I shall also offer a few brief comparisons with China, for two reasons: First, because that nation as assumed a major, perhaps soon dominant, role in the world, but without a significant Christian influence (at least in the past fifty years). Second, because I hope that English-speaking Chinese will also profit from these pages, and ponder ways in which Christianity may benefit their nation.