Theocracy: Can American Democracy Survive Fundamentalism?

Theocracy: Can American Democracy Survive Fundamentalism?

Fall (14 hours or more) | This course is completed

67 Cummings Road Hanover, NH 03755 United States

Chalmers

Repeat Course

9/20/2018-11/8/2018

View Schedule

$80.00

Have you ever wondered what the heck is going on with Christian fundamentalists in America these days? America has been embroiled in a culture war, and it’s rooted in religious convictions. In our time, religious purism and zeal have become the most significant cause of conflict between nations and power struggles within nations. During the past forty years there has been extraordinary growth in the impact of religion on nations throughout the world, including the U.S. Its political influence has dramatically expanded. In large part, this has caused the current crisis in American politics. In Theocracy: Can Democracy Survive Fundamentalism? author P. J. Tierney examines political efforts by fundamentalists, particularly in the U.S. Drawing upon current events, history, psychology, ethics, political science, and the Bible itself, this course delves into contemporary Christian fundamentalism in its efforts to advance the vision of a form of American theocracy. It also offers practical suggestions to strengthen democracy within pluralistic American society.

  • The required text for this course will be Theocracy: Can Democracy Survive Fundamentalism? (ISBN: 978-1475929270) by Phil Tierney. Each of the eight sessions will involve a presentation by the author and group discussions.

Phil Tierney has been an Episcopal priest for over 45 years. He has earned degrees in Philosophy, Biblical Studies, Theology and Psychotherapy (including an evangelical college). He has served chaplaincies at Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Foxcroft and Madeira School. He served seven churches in five states and two other countries. He has written two books and volunteers at churches and several non-profits. His spouse and he roam from Hanover to Rhode Island and Costa Rica. He has four children and four grandkids.