Evangelical Violence
Evangelical Violence examines the long history of western states and actors attempting to export and impose Christianity on non-western peoples, and the use of state-administered violence to achieve these “evangelical” goals.This book explores the theological underpinnings of western attempts to spread Christianity and examines how variations in the interpretation of this theological imperative have impacted beliefs and practices of western states.
The book argues that, throughout the past millennium, the foreign policy of western states has been heavily influenced by the Christian concept of evangelism, based on the scriptural Great Commission, the command to “go and make disciples of all nations.” When evangelism has been conceived in collective rather than individualistic terms — an extension of the concept of “Christian Nationalism” to international relations — violence has been readily and more intensely used against non-Christian societies to achieve both conversion and secular goals, whereas a more individualistic understanding of conversion has constrained violence and promoted persuasive and humanitarian-focused outreach. The book analyses the relationship between prevailing western concepts of evangelism and the use of force against non-western societies through a series of case studies that include the Crusades; the first and second waves of western colonization of the Americas, Africa and Asia; westward expansion of the United States; and modern examples of international interventionism.
This book will appeal to students and scholars interested in Christian nationalism, colonialism, the history of international relations, and the intersection of religion and politics.
Christopher Rhodes is a Lecturer in Social Sciences at the College of General Studies at Boston University, USA. His research interests are in political economy of religion, identity and politics, African politics, and organizational behavior and political activities.