American Scripture

Consider representations of the American Revolution, and the drafting of the Declaration specifically, in popular culture (e.g., musicals, films, television shows, historical fiction). How do they/do they not sanctify the founders or the document?

Identify three examples of Pauline Maier using religious imagery in American Scripture. Describe the contexts of these examples and explain how they do or do not support Maier’s argument against the sanctification of political documents in the United States.

Maier wrote American Scripture in 1997. Does her critique of Americans’ worship of the vital documents still apply now? Explain whether it applies and support the answer with two concrete examples from current events.