American Exceptionalism as Religion: Postmodern Discontent, Carson Jordan

As American exceptionalism resurfaces in public discourse, Carsons timely work invites readers to reconsider the nexus of religion, politics, and culture. Carson argues that defining religion according to secularist criteria has insulated ostensibly secular ideologies as well as traditional religion from public scrutiny. DeLillos, Castillos, Pynchons, Saunderss, and Robinsons redefinitions of religion result in a better grasp of how individuals actually live out their religious lives. More importantly, these authors help erect a framework for constructively engaging American exceptionalism and the ideas that support it.