America and Other Fictions: On Radical Faith and Post-Religion

by Ed Simon

At a moment of cultural and political crisis, with forces of reaction seemingly ascendant throughout the West, it's fair to ask what use does anyone have for America, God, or any other similar fictions? What use does theological language have for the radical facing the apocalypse? Among the subjects considered: the need for an Augustinian left, legacies of American violence, speaking in tongues, the humanities facing climate change, the maturity of realizing that you will die, how to sail towards Utopia, and witches.

Genres: History

272 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2018

About the author

Ed Simon is an Editor-at-Large with The Marginalia Review of Books, a channel of the Los Angeles Review of Books, an editor at Berfrois, and a staff writer for the Millions. A specialist in early modern literature and religion, he received a PhD in English from Lehigh University. A widely published freelance author, his essays regularly appear on sites such as The Atlantic, The Paris Review, Jacobin, Aeon, Nautilus, Atlas Obscura, Berfrois, The Revealer, Killing the Buddha, Religion Dispatches, Salon, Newsweek, and Tablet, among several others. A proud native Pittsburgher, he now lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Joseph Spuckler]

America and Other Fictions: On Radical Faith and Post-Religion by Ed Simon is a collection of essays about America and Religion. Simon is an Editor-at-Large with The Marginalia Review of Books, a channel of the Los Angeles Review of Books. A specialist in early modern literature and religion, he received a Ph.D. in English from Lehigh University.

Simon presents his views on a wide variety of subjects in this deep and dense collection of essays. Religion and America share many things in common. American History and Religious history has a take what you want and ignore what you want attitude. We think of George Washington as almost a mythical leader. Jefferson and inciteful writing are tarnished by his hypocrisy on freedom in his own life. Famous revolutionary pamphleteer Thomas Paine wrote from a simpler "American" style that spread the revolutionary zeal. His place in history is less secure as he does not have a Monticello or monument in Washington. He died alone in Greenwich Village of cirrhosis with no fanfare or much remembrance.

The topics on religion are nicely tied to politics as Agustine believing men are evil in nature and Pelagius who believed that men were naturally good. This ties in nicely with the modern conservative and liberal theories. Crucifixion is discussed and the variations of the "cross" used to inflict the punishment.

America is more than a country it is an idea that crosses borders although Americans are themselves unlikely to think of Canadians, Chilians, Peruvians, or Mexicans as Americans. American Pie, American Beauty, and American Graffiti portray additional pleasure while American Psycho and American Terror add a deeper level of violence with the addition of "American". For those old enough to remember the Soviet Union there was a demand for Levis, Dallas videotapes, and Voice of America form people who considered America their enemy. America meant different things in different contexts.

Whitman becomes the patron saint of nineteenth-century America. It is not only his words and appreciation for the American wilderness, Whitman was not Christian but still read the Bible to wounded troops on both sides of the Civil War.  The uniform color made no difference to Whitman as they were Americans.  Reading the Bible was not for Whitman's benefit but for the benefit of those wounded and hurting.  Bob Dylan also makes an appearance as a poet and raises questions on his winning the Nobel Poetry Prize.  How is a singer a world-class poet?  He becomes one when he embodies the spirit of America.  

Simon writes a complex mix of subject matter and thoughts.  It is not a light afternoon read but something that needs to be thought upon and processed.  The information is densely packed and takes much from philosophy, religious and otherwise, to present a picture of America and Christianity without combining the two.  A thought-provoking and interesting study of the two ideas.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

America and Other Fictions is a collection of essays with topics ranging from politics, history and religion, right up to Bob Dylan. While the topics seem vastly different at times, the collection does put America at its heart. This is not an easy or lightweight read, but it is a rewarding one, I thought.

Simon gives the reader a lot to think about throughout this collection. I found his focused, and on occasion, fiery anger that makes appearances from time to time, to be refreshing and authentic. I personally enjoyed his take on John Knox and other historical figures, although I'm not sure I agreed with a few of the points he made.

Anyway, this one of the surprise reads of the year for me, as I wasn't expecting it be nearly as thought provoking as it was. Highly recommended.

This was an ARC from Netgalley and John Hunt Publishing/Zero Books in exchange for an honest review. With many thanks.