Nicholas Guyatt Book order

Buried in the history of our most famous jail, a unique story of captivity, violence and race

The surprising and counterintuitive origins of America's racial crisis

The book explores the concept of American providentialism, revealing its British origins and the challenges faced by white Americans in aligning their national mission with the early republic's racial diversity. It examines how this belief in divine favor shaped American identity and purpose, while simultaneously complicating perceptions of those who did not fit into this narrative. By analyzing themes such as manifest destiny and millenarianism, the work provides a fresh perspective on the historical roots of American religious nationalism and its impact on the nation's worldview.

Exploring the phenomenon of apocalyptic belief among 50 million Americans, the book delves into the motivations and implications of those convinced the Rapture is imminent. It examines how these individuals engage in significant societal issues like abortion and gay rights, raising questions about their influence on politics, including potential impacts on the White House. The narrative challenges readers to consider whether these beliefs stem from deep faith or irrationality, providing a thought-provoking look at a unique aspect of American religious life.

Exploring the origins of American providentialism, the book delves into how the belief in divine favor shaped national identity and purpose. It highlights the British influences on American religious nationalism prior to the Revolution and examines the challenges faced by white Americans in reconciling their national mission with the nation's racial diversity. By addressing themes like manifest destiny and millenarianism, it reveals how this conviction impacted perceptions of events and individuals outside the providential narrative.