"And no one will keep that light from shining"

After September 11, news media reported that U. S. president George W. Bush used overly religious language. The „theologian in chief“ was believed to promote his personal agenda as a born again Christian. This view, which led to many transatlantic misunderstandings, is a striking misinterpretation. In a thorough analysis of Bush's rhetoric, this study shows that his references to God and the idea that America is destined to fulfill God's work on earth, can all be explained through the concept of American civil religion.