T. Walter Herbert teaches American literature and culture at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and has published extensively on issues of religion, cultural imperialism, and sexual politics, especially in the work of Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne. His most recent book is Sexual Violence and American Manhood.

"A fascinating and richly perceptive blend of social, ethical, political, theological, and historical analysis on the moral problem of American empire. Showing the relevance of political theology, it builds to a stunning meditation on the contradictions of Christian empire." – Gary Dorrien, Columbia University, USA"Devastating in its honesty, entirely convincing in its argument and universal in its reach. The analysis of ‘America the Beautiful’ as national symbol and ideological tool is fascinating, the lessons drawn from the consequences of moral luxury born of religious delusions, false innocence and the denial of culpability are instructive far beyond the borders of the United States … essential reading." – Allan Boesak, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

• Introduction: Faith-Based War 1. American Blindspot 2. Defending God’s Chosen 3. Limitless Divine Sanction 4. The Fire of Freedom 5. Drinking the Kool Aid 6. Avenging Angel 7. Six-gun Saviors 8. Moral Clarity and Moral Collapse 9. A Theology of Torture Coda: Hooded Man