Description
Book SynopsisEmbodied Idolatry is an examination of the effect of Christian nationalism on Christian practice in the United States. The author focuses on the mechanisms by which such beliefs become sedimented into the emotional, embodied structures of the church and the individual. Using a variety of disciplines, the author thus identifies and highlights how such beliefs and practices are, in fact, idolatrous and inhabit an anti-Christian theological and ethical space. The volume, in this, describes the formative process and mechanisms by which social and cultural values are acquired through imitation, by the individual and within ecclesial communities. As a constructive countermeasure, the volume investigates Jesus’ practice in his own social, cultural, political, religious, and economic context, and argues that Christian nationalism is a betrayal of Jesus’ teachings in light of his own practice of hospitality and table fellowship. The volume, thus, calls Christians to conversion, putting loyalty to the kingdom of God over that of the nation.
Trade ReviewWhat an education! Kyle leads us slowly but with great sure-footedness through some of the most challenging of modern thinkers in order to open us up to that most timely of gifts: the ability to engage in self-critical thinking about who we are and where our life together is taking us. Highly recommended. -- James Alison, priest, theologian, Girard scholar
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1 Embodied Habitus 2 Emotions, Feelings, and Desires 3 Identity Needs and Mimetic Desire 4 Ideology, Beliefs, and Social/Group Influence 5 Jesus’ Summons to Hospitality and Table Fellowship 6 Nationalism as Idolatry Conclusion Bibliography Index About the Author
