‘Born Again’ On American Hills (Press, 15 August 1987)

Published on 15 August 1987, the review by Alan Conway discusses Frances FitzGerald's book "Cities on a Hill," which explores various "born again" communities across the United States. FitzGerald, known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning work "Fire in the Lake," provides an insightful social commentary on contemporary America through the examination of four distinct communities. The first community highlighted is the Castro in San Francisco, which emerged in the 1970s as a vibrant hub for gay men. FitzGerald details how this neighbourhood developed its unique identity, featuring gay institutions, including policemen, churches, and even its own yellow-pages. The political rise of figures like Harvey Milk exemplified the community's power, but the onset of AIDS greatly impacted the Castro, leading to a reassessment of its culture as it faced the epidemic and a decline in its earlier eccentricities. FitzGerald then shifts focus to Jerry Falwell's Liberty Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. Established in 1956, this church became a major force in what was termed "saturation evangelism." FitzGerald notes that Falwell's television ministry raised millions of dollars and led to the founding of Liberty University. The university, unique in its teaching methods, explicitly promotes creationism over evolutionary biology. FitzGerald paints Falwell as a significant figure in the conservative religious movement, with aspirations to embed his students into various sectors of American society to enact profound changes. The review also describes the Sun City Center in Florida, a retirement community for older adults. This community embraces an active lifestyle, with ample activities available for its residents, contrasting typical perceptions of ageing in nursing homes. FitzGerald touches on the complexities of loneliness that can exist amid the enthusiasm of the communal activities, raising concerns about the growing population of seniors and the implications for social security as the workforce decreases. Finally, the notorious Rajneeshpuram, set up by the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in Oregon, is examined. The community comprised affluent disciples who faced backlash from local residents due to their eccentric practices and the guru's collection of Rolls-Royces. The tension escalated into legal battles, particularly involving Rajneesh's aide, Ma Anand Sheela, who faced attempted murder charges. Ultimately, the community disbanded as Rajneesh fled, illustrating the clash between differing cultural ideologies and local societies. In her concluding analysis, FitzGerald reflects on the historical context of Americans pursuing their personal utopias, linking back to John Winthrop’s envisioning of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. She suggests that the search for a "city upon a hill" continues, indicating a persistent quest for idealised communities in America. Overall, Conway recommends the book for its thought-provoking insights and engaging narrative style, despite acknowledging that FitzGerald may not receive another Pulitzer for this work.

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