Uneasy in Babylon: Southern Baptist Conservative and American Culture (Religion & American Culture) - Hardcover

Hankins, Professor Barry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0817311424 ISBN 13: 9780817311421

Publisher: University Alabama Press, 2002

Synopsis

The first book-length interpretation of the new conservative leaders of America's largest Protestant denomination.

Uneasy in Babylon is based on extensive interviews with the most important Southern Baptist conservatives who have assumed control of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Known to many Americans from their appearances on national TV talk shows, such as Larry King Live and Fox News, they advocate a return to traditional values throughout the country. Hankins shows how differing cultural perceptions help explain the great chasm that developed between fundamentalists in the SBC and the moderates who preceded them as leaders of the denomination.

About this title

About the Author

Barry Hankins is Associate Professor of History and Church-State Studies at Baylor University.

From Library Journal

In examining the recent developments in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Hankins (history, Baylor Univ.) suggests how much things have changed since Rufus B. Spain wrote At Ease in Zion: A Social History of Southern Baptists, 1865-1900 (Vanderbilt Univ., 1967). While Spain discussed the close moral and political affinity between Southern Baptists and Southern culture, Hankins reveals that Southern Baptists now see themselves at odds with current American culture in all parts of the country. This has led to a hardening of positions. Hankins provides a detailed account of the recent takeover of SBC by its most conservative members, who see themselves as cultural warriors combating a decadent society. Various chapters discuss the denomination's positions on abortion, women, church and state issues, and racism. The author is sympathetic and fair, though he espouses a more moderate approach to many issues. A good look at current trends in this the largest Protestant denomination in America, this is recommended for public and academic libraries. C. Robert Nixon, MLS, Lafayette, IN
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: University Alabama Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0817311424
• ISBN 13: 9780817311421
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 344