Biblical history, enriched by many religious and cultural traditions,

flows into and is intertwined with our nation’s epic, both for better and for

worse. To ignore that history is to cut ourselves off from our roots and to deny the

ancestral experiences that forged our individual and collective identity.
from the prologue

This substantial work explores

the interplay of religion and politics throughout the history of the United States.

Paul D. Hanson traces American history back to colonial times, paying close

attention to the role that biblical tradition has played in shaping the national

story of the United States. He then presents a detailed study of politics in the

Bible that is framed by the challenges and crises in American history. Students will

learn how deeply religion has influenced both domestic and international policy and

contributed to the nation’s sense of identity and purpose. After laying these

biblical-historical foundations, Hanson considers a method of biblical

interpretation that can speak to the diverse nation of today. He proposes an

inclusive form of public moral discourse that invites full participation by members

of all religious and philosophical groups.