Edwin S. Gaustad

Edwin S. Gaustad (1923-2011) was an American historian who specialized in religious history, particularly focusing on religion in America and church-state relations. His scholarly work and numerous publications helped establish religious history as a distinct academic field. Gaustad served as a professor at several universities including the University of California, Riverside, where he taught from 1965 until his retirement in 1989. He authored or edited more than a dozen books, including the influential "A Religious History of America" and "Church and State in America," which became standard texts in religious studies programs. His work on separation of church and state and religious liberty earned particular recognition, with his book "Faith of Our Fathers: Religion and the New Nation" providing detailed analysis of the religious views of America's founding fathers. Gaustad's maps and atlases of American religious history, particularly "Historical Atlas of Religion in America," introduced innovative ways of visualizing and understanding religious demographics and movements. Gaustad's research and writing were marked by careful scholarship and attention to primary sources, earning him numerous accolades including the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Religion. His work continues to influence scholars and students in the fields of American religious history and church-state relations.

Readers consistently praise Gaustad's clear, objective presentation of religious history. His books receive particular recognition for presenting complex religious topics without bias or agenda. Multiple reviewers on Amazon note his balanced treatment of different faiths and denominations. What readers liked: - Accessible writing style for academic topics - Thorough research and documentation - Effective use of maps and visual elements in his atlases - Clear explanations of church-state relationships What readers disliked: - Some find his writing dry and textbook-like - Older editions contain outdated statistical data - Limited coverage of smaller religious movements Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.3/5 average across his books Goodreads: 3.8/5 average - "A Religious History of America" - 4.1/5 (89 ratings) - "Faith of Our Fathers" - 3.9/5 (42 ratings) - "Historical Atlas of Religion in America" - 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Most critical reviews focus on the academic tone rather than factual content or research quality.

A Religious History of America (1966) Traces the development of religion in the United States from Native American beliefs through the mid-20th century, covering major denominations and movements.

Historical Atlas of Religion in America (1962) Maps and analyzes the geographic distribution and development of religious groups across American history.

Faith of Our Fathers: Religion and the New Nation (1987) Examines the role of religion in the founding period of the United States, with particular focus on key figures and church-state relations.

Sworn on the Altar of God: A Religious Biography of Thomas Jefferson (1996) Documents Jefferson's religious views, his concept of religious freedom, and his interactions with religious institutions and leaders.

Baptist Piety: The Last Will and Testament of Obadiah Holmes (1978) Analyzes the life and religious convictions of colonial Baptist leader Obadiah Holmes through his testament and historical context.

Liberty of Conscience: Roger Williams in America (1991) Chronicles Roger Williams' life, his advocacy for religious freedom, and his founding of Rhode Island as a haven for religious liberty.

Dissent in American Religion (1973) Details the history of religious dissent movements in America and their impact on religious development.

Church and State in America (1998) Presents the historical relationship between religious institutions and government in the United States from colonial times to the present.

Benjamin Franklin (2006) Explores Franklin's religious views, his relationship with organized religion, and his influence on American religious thought.

Mark Noll writes histories of Christianity in America with emphasis on intellectual and theological developments. His work examines religious movements and their impact on American society through multiple centuries.

Catherine Brekus focuses on women's religious history in America and the intersection of gender with faith practices. She documents overlooked voices in American religious history through primary source research and archival studies.

Nathan Hatch studies the democratization of American Christianity and religious populism in the early republic. His research tracks how religious authority shifted from traditional hierarchies to grassroots movements.

David Hall researches colonial American religious life with attention to Puritan culture and print history. His work reveals connections between religious practice and literacy in early America.

George Marsden examines evangelical Christianity and its relationship to American intellectual culture. He traces the development of Christian fundamentalism and its influence on American education and politics.