Customer Reviews

Nine Great American Myths: Ways We Confuse the American Dream With the Christian Faith

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nine Great American Myths explores the confusion of the American dream with the Christian faith. Pat Apel is a Presbyterian minister in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and is a former lawyer. The book is divided into two parts, "An American Vision," and "A Christian Vision." The first part defines the American dream and its origins, then discusses the myths that perpetuate that dream. The second part describes Christian responses and practices that dispell said myths.

Apel discusses our Puritan origins, which led to all the myths that prop up the American dream. He describes the hijacking by early Americans of the Israelite conquest of Cannan, and its use to excuse behavior that would otherwise be condemned. The myth of sacrifice and dissent is shown to be self-defeating and backwards. Political equality, relativism, and individualism are also exposed.

What makes this book special is that Apel doesn't just complain about the distortion of American Christianity, but offers solutions as well. Apel's remedy is simple, only involving a return to simple spiritual practices such as prayer and Bible study. There is an extensive discourse on the Christian faith, and what separates the American version from true faith.

Apel is able to weave together myths, facts, faith, and heart, making sure to point toward truth at all times. This book examines American culture objectively, causing the reader to take a closer look at the world around them.