Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-2002

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Anthropology

Major Professor

Mariana K. L. Ferreira

Committee Members

Faye V. Harrison, Rosalind J. Hackett

Abstract

The acts of politico-religious influence by fundamentalist religious organizations in the United States is an empire-in-training, utilizing processes of historical co-optment and the imposition and incorporation of mythico-historical pasts. These politico-religious amalgams utilize their cosmology in efforts to steer governmental action in the United States towards a stated goal: one nation, under God. Their success largely depends on their ability to: (a) overcome the internal and external power struggle facing such a mixture of reality and dogma, and (b) re-embed modem social notions with their own "'legitimate" vision of ''truth" and "'tradition." The Christian Coalition of America and the Christian Broadcast Network, led by "'Messiah figure" Pat Robertson, have used this formula in their efforts to guide governmental policy and challenge perceived ''threats" to their social order. I argue that the results of their efforts to "reform" have, however, produced a frightening blend of ethnocentrism, imperialism, and globalized theocratic empire building.

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