God's New Israel

The Covenantal Nation

The work dissects the persistent theological notion of America as a covenantal nation, chosen by divine providence. Cherry explores how this concept, originating with Puritan settlers in the 17th century, provided a framework for understanding national destiny and moral authority. It posits that this belief system, far from being solely religious, has been secularized and adapted to justify various political and social movements throughout American history, from westward expansion to global interventions.

American Exceptionalism Deconstructed

Cherry critically analyzes the doctrine of American exceptionalism, revealing its deep roots in specific interpretations of biblical prophecy and the idea of a unique mission. The book moves beyond patriotic platitudes to show how this self-perception has historically influenced foreign policy and domestic ideology. It highlights the selective nature of this narrative, often overlooking contradictions or the perspectives of those marginalized by its implementation.

Puritan Legacy and Modernity

The enduring impact of Puritan theology and eschatology on American consciousness is a central focus. The book traces how concepts like predestination, divine favor, and the establishment of a godly society, articulated by figures like John Winthrop, were transformed and re-interpreted across centuries. Cherry demonstrates that these early religious ideas continue to echo in contemporary political discourse, shaping how Americans view their place in the world and their national purpose.

Theology as Political Tool

This theme examines how religious language and theological frameworks have been strategically employed to legitimize political actions and national aspirations. Cherry illustrates how the idea of a divinely ordained mission has served as a powerful rhetorical tool, capable of uniting populations and justifying significant historical undertakings. The work underscores the complex interplay between religious belief and the construction of national identity.

“The idea of America as God's New Israel is not a static historical artifact but a dynamic, evolving narrative.”

— This paraphrase highlights Cherry's argument that the concept of American chosenness is not a fixed historical relic but a concept that has been continually reinterpreted and applied to new circumstances throughout U.S. history.

“Puritan notions of covenant provided a potent theological justification for colonial expansion.”

— This paraphrased concept points to the specific mechanism by which early settlers, believing they were in a special pact with God, found religious sanction for their territorial ambitions and establishment of new settlements.

“The secularization of 'chosenness' allowed its continued influence beyond explicitly religious contexts.”

— This interpretation emphasizes how the core idea of a unique national destiny, once a theological tenet, was translated into secular political and cultural terms, enabling it to remain a powerful force in non-religious spheres.

“American exceptionalism often implies a moral and political superiority validated by divine mandate.”

— This paraphrased statement captures the essence of exceptionalism as presented by Cherry, where the belief in a unique national status is intrinsically linked to a perceived moral rectitude and a divinely sanctioned role in global affairs.

“The myth of the New Israel has served to unite diverse populations under a common, divinely sanctioned identity.”

— This interpretation focuses on the unifying function of the 'New Israel' narrative, suggesting that the shared belief in a special national destiny has helped forge a collective identity among various groups within the United States.

Tradition

While not strictly within a defined esoteric lineage like Hermeticism or Kabbalah, "God's New Israel" engages with the esoteric dimensions of American civil religion. Its focus on covenant theology, divine election, and millennial expectations touches upon themes common in certain forms of Protestant mysticism and Gnostic interpretations of chosenness. The work examines how these potent spiritual concepts were operationalized and secularized within a national framework, becoming a powerful, albeit often unconscious, driving force in political and social movements.

Symbolism

A key symbolic motif is the "City upon a Hill," representing a divinely ordained model society, a beacon for the world. This symbol, originating with John Winthrop, carries layers of meaning related to purity, divine favor, and the burden of exceptionalism. Another underlying symbolic current is the concept of the 'New Israel,' where America is cast in the biblical role of God's chosen people, implying a unique destiny and a sacred mission that transcends ordinary national interests.

Modern Relevance

Contemporary discussions surrounding American foreign policy, national identity, and the role of faith in public life continue to echo the themes explored in "God's New Israel." Thinkers and commentators examining political theology, religious nationalism, and the cultural impact of historical myths often draw upon or implicitly engage with the ideas Cherry elucidated. The work remains relevant for understanding the enduring appeal of exceptionalist narratives in various political movements and spiritual interpretations of national purpose.

The "City upon a Hill" as a blueprint for national identity.

Interpreting the concept of a divine covenant in secular political rhetoric.

The historical transformation of Puritan eschatology in American thought.

Analyzing the justification of expansion through the lens of chosenness.

The personal resonance of the 'New Israel' narrative in contemporary America.

American Exceptionalism

The belief that the United States is unique and possesses a special destiny, often implying moral superiority and a distinct role in global affairs, frequently rooted in historical interpretations of divine favor.

Covenant Theology

A theological framework, particularly prominent in Calvinism, that views God's relationship with humanity and Israel through a series of covenants, influencing Puritan views of their relationship with God and their mission in the New World.

Millennialism

Belief systems centered on the idea of a future golden age or a thousand-year reign of Christ on Earth, often influencing views of historical progress and national destiny, particularly in early American thought.

Eschatology

The branch of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind; in a broader sense, beliefs about the end times and the ultimate purpose of history.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable, often imbued with religious and cultural superiority.

Secularization

The process by which religion loses its social and cultural significance; in this context, the adaptation of religious ideas and language for non-religious, political, or cultural purposes.

Civil Religion

The implicit religious values of a nation, expressed through public rituals, symbols, and ceremonies, which can elevate national identity to a sacred status.