American Civil Religion

<p>The United States has never had an officially established national church. Since the time of the first British colonists it has instead developed a strong civil religion that melds God and nation. In a deft exploration of American civil religious symbols-from the Liberty Bell to the Vietnam Memorial from Mount Rushmore to Disney World-Peter Gardella explains how the places objects and words that Americans hold sacred came into being and how Americans' feelings about them have changed over time. In addition to examining revered historical sites and structures he analyzes such sacred texts as the Declaration of Independence the Constitution the Gettysburg Address the Kennedy Inaugural and the speeches of Martin Luther King and shows how five patriotic songs-"The Star-Spangled Banner" "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" "America the Beautiful" "God Bless America" and "This Land Is Your Land"-have been elevated into hymns.</p>