Success, Shame, and Illusion: American Culture Christianity and the God of Death-Denial

Susan Windley

In this essay, Susan M. Windley offers an analysis and critique of American culture- Christianity, defined as the meaning structure that determines who or what Americans worship. Her thesis is that American culture-Christianity's avoidance of death and failure induces both a Christianity false to the Gospel and an idol-binding cycle of shame; moreover, a diagnosis of this condition is critical groundwork in preparation for a genuine encounter with God. Ms. Windley is a Ph.D. candidate in theology at Vanderbilt University.

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