- Summary
- This purpose of this paper is to shed light on a little-known religious movement known as Christian Reconstructionism, which views the Bible as applicable to "all of life," including "Old Testament" civil law---complete with capital punishment for offenses such as blasphemy, adultery, witchcraft, and homosexual conduct. Examined are the history, theology, and personalities of the movement. The primary issue of interest is their belief in the inerrancy of scripture, and the forms that this belief takes when applied to the areas of eschatology, civil law, government, and the family. The significance of this belief is then evaluated in light of psychoanalyst Alice Miller's work on fascism and linguist George Lakoff's work on political conservatives. Though the number of self-identified Reconstructionists is small, they appear to be gaining broader political and cultural influence, due in large part to the religious beliefs they share with a much larger number of evangelical and conservative Christians. The implications of this influence can be seen both as cause for concern, due to the extremism of the movement, and as a "wake-up call" for those who might not see the potential danger of an absolutist belief system that utilizes inerrancy as its theological foundation.
- Format
- Book
- Author/Creator
- Williams, Matthew L.
- Published
- [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], 2006
- Notes
-
Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-55).
Photocopy. Ann Arbor, Mich. : UMI Dissertation Services. 22 cm.
Dissertations and Theses
