The Rest Is History 153. God and the American Empire
16 snips
Feb 18, 2022 
Andrew Preston, a professor of history at the University of Cambridge and an expert on American history and religion, joins the conversation to explore the intertwining of faith and American identity. They delve into why anti-clericalism is rare in the U.S., the rise of religious belief, and whether the Cold War was a religious crusade. The discussion touches on American Exceptionalism, the Marketplace of Faith, and questions the historical accuracy of terms like 'U.S. isolationism.' Preston's insights illuminate the pivotal role religion plays in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
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American Exceptionalism and Religion
- American exceptionalism stems from a perceived difference and superiority.
- Religion is integral to this, thriving despite modernization, unlike in Europe.
Separation of Church and State
- The separation of church and state prevents discrediting religion alongside politics.
- It fosters a "marketplace of faith," driving competition and innovation among religions.
The Judeo-Christian Tradition
- The Judeo-Christian tradition emerged in the late 1930s to distinguish American values from Nazi Germany.
- This concept solidified during World War II and the Cold War, uniting faiths against a common enemy.
