BIG Book Club meets Thursday November 16 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm

Join us for a discussion of the book American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America by Chris Hedges, published in 2007.  This non-fiction book profiles the rise of an American Christian right, and argues that the politically active bloc possesses the features of a fascist movement – comparing the movement to the young fascist movements in Italy and Germany in the 1920’s and 30’s. The book includes interviews, coverage of events, and examines the movement’s motivations and ideology.

A graduate of the seminary at Harvard Divinity School, Hedges was a foreign correspondent for nearly 20 years for The New York Times and other publications  He was part of the team of reporters at The New York Times that won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of global terrorism. Hedges is the author of War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning and Losing Moses on the Freeway: the 10 Commandments in America.

John Culp, who has taught at three evangelical universities (Bethel University, Indiana; Olivet Nazarene University, Illinois; Azusa Pacific University, Southern California) throughout his 40-year career, will guide our discussion. The Book Club meets in the Theresa Hall at St. John Episcopal Church

John suggests that it may be helpful to consider these questions while reading:
1.  Do each of Hedges’ chapters demonstrate the presence of one of the features Umberto Eco includes in his list describing Ur-Fascism?  See pages after title page and the dedication page for Eco’s list.  
2.  How does the Christian right demonstrate fascism? What have you seen around you, in Bandon, or other places you have been?
3.  What does Hedges suggest as ways to resist fascism?  Do you agree with his suggestions?  Have you seen any people or groups that use these methods?