Myth of Christian Nation Analysis
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GwendolynD.LewisMythofaChristianNationAnalysis.docxCritical Analysis
Boyd's Myth of a Christian Nation
Name: Gwendolyn D. Lewis
I give my word that I have read 100 % (fill in the appropriate amount) of the assigned textbook.
1. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this book? (40-60 words)
I believe that there are many reasons as to why Boyd wrote this book. One being the opportunity to dispel the false narratives that exist among the Christian community pertaining to political and social issues. Boyd takes special aim at those who intend to use the word of God as a vessel to fuel their own personal interest. Boyd’s main purpose in writing this book is to sound the alarm in hopes that the Christian community will adhere to his call before self destruction (Boyd, 2009, pg.13).
2. What is the key question/problem/issue the author is addressing? (40-60 words)
The key issue that Boyd is addressing is the notion that America is solely a Christian nation and has always been. In addition to that idea, Boyd seeks to divide the line between true followers of Christ and those who desire to use his name as a shield in their endeavours to harm others through acts of violence, marginalization and the false pretences of their definition of ethics (Boyd, 2009, pg.14).
3. What information or evidence does the author use to solve this question? (75-100 words)
Boyd uses both scripture and American history to solve this question. One example of the use of Boyd’s evidence is the Pledge of Allegiance. The author points out how the phrase,” one alligence under God”, which in my opinion clearly blurs the lines between church and state (Boyd, 2009, pg.11). Throughout the writing Boyd gives various examples on how Americans inflict the power over mindset on different cultures and organizations to control them through law and order. All while standing on the word of God and using it as a sword.
4. What conclusions does the author reach in response to this question? (40-60 words)
5. What are the main ideas or key concepts that the reader must understand in order to understand the author’s argument? (100-150 words)
6. Does the information/evidence provided support the author’s conclusion? (75-100 words)
7. What assumptions underlie the author’s thinking? Although you can include assumptions about the intended reader, you must include assumptions that undergird the author’s actual argument. (75-100 words)
8. So what? If the reader accepts the author’s reasoning, what are the consequences? If the reader rejects the author’s reasoning, what are the consequences? Offer concrete examples. (80-120 words)
