A Companion to American Religious History

Acollection of original essaysexploring the history of thevariousAmerican religious traditionsand themeaningoftheirmany expressions
The Blackwell Companion to American Religious Historyexploresthekey events,significant themes, andimportantmovementsin various religious traditions throughout the nation's history from pre-colonization to the present day.Original essays written by leading scholarsand new voices in the field discusshow religion in America has transformed over the years, explore its many expressions and meanings, andconsiderreligion'scentralrole inAmerican life.
Emphasizing the integration of religion into broader cultural and historical themes, thiswide-rangingvolume explores the operation of religion in eras of historical change, the diversity of religiousexperiences, and religion'sintersections withAmerican cultural, political, social, racial, gender, and intellectual history.Eachchronologically-organizedchapterfocuses on a specific period or event, such as theinteractions between Moravian and Indigenous communities, the origins ofAfrican-Americanreligious institutions, Mormon settlement in Utah,social reform movementsduring the twentieth century, thegrowth of ethnic religious communities,and the rise of the Religious Right. An innovative historical genealogy of American religious traditions,theCompanion:
Highlightsbroader historicalthemes using clear and compelling narrative
Helpsteachers expose their students to the significance and variety of America's religious past
Explains new and revisionist interpretations of American religious history
Surveys current and emerginghistoriographical trends
Traces historical themesto contemporary issues surrounding civil rights and social justice movements, modern capitalism, and debates over religious liberties
Making the lessons of American religious history relevant to a broad range of readers,The Blackwell Companion to American Religious Historyis the perfect book for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in American history courses,and a valuable resource for graduate students and scholars wanting to keep pace with current historiographical trends and recent developments in the field.