Religion in American History: A Reader

Religion in American History: A Reader collects primary source documents and scholarly essays examining religious life in America from the colonial period through the late 20th century. The book is edited by historian David Frankfurter and features writings from both religious practitioners and academic observers. The selections cover major religious movements and developments including Puritanism, the Great Awakening, African American religious traditions, immigration's impact on American religion, and the rise of new religious movements. Key documents include sermons, personal accounts, theological treatises, and sociological analyses that capture religious experience across different communities and time periods. The readings address themes of religious freedom, pluralism, secularization, and the relationship between religion and American identity. This collection serves as a resource for understanding how religious beliefs and practices have shaped American culture and society over time.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of David Frankfurter's overall work: Readers praise Frankfurter's ability to analyze complex religious phenomena without sensationalism. His academic works appeal primarily to scholars and advanced students studying ancient religions and religious violence. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of difficult theoretical concepts - Detailed historical evidence and case studies - Balanced treatment of controversial topics around religious persecution - Strong citation of primary sources What readers disliked: - Dense academic language that can be challenging for general readers - High price point of academic texts - Some sections become repetitive - Limited accessibility for undergraduate level Ratings: Goodreads: - Evil Incarnate: 4.0/5 (52 ratings) - Religion in Roman Egypt: 4.2/5 (24 ratings) - Christianizing Egypt: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Amazon reviews highlight the books' value for graduate studies but note they "require significant background knowledge" and are "not introductory texts." Academic reviewers frequently cite his methodological rigor and thorough research.

Religion in American Life: A Short History by Jon Butler, Grant Wacker, Randall Balmer. This chronological survey traces religious developments from Native American traditions through modern religious movements with primary source excerpts.

The Religious History of America by Edwin S. Gaustad, Leigh E. Schmidt. The text presents religious pluralism in America from European colonization to contemporary times through historical documents and cultural analysis.

American Jesus: How the Son of God Became a National Icon by Stephen Prothero. The book examines the transformation of Jesus in American culture through different religious traditions and historical periods using original sources.

Gods in America: Religious Pluralism in the United States by Charles Cohen and Ronald Numbers. This collection combines historical analysis with primary sources to explore religious diversity from colonial times to present-day America.

American Religious History by Amanda Porterfield. The work integrates primary documents with historical context to examine religious movements, conflicts, and changes in American society from the colonial period onward.

📚 David Frankfurter specializes in ancient Mediterranean religions and serves as Professor of Religion at Boston University, bringing unique insight to the anthology's curation. 🔍 The book includes primary source documents spanning from colonial America to the modern era, offering readers direct access to historical religious voices. ⚔️ The collection addresses controversial topics like the Salem witch trials, Mormon persecution, and the rise of the Religious Right, showing how religious conflicts shaped American society. 🤝 Rather than focusing solely on mainstream Protestant Christianity, the anthology includes perspectives from Native American spirituality, African American religious traditions, and various immigrant faiths. 📖 The book is frequently used in university courses because it pairs historical documents with scholarly analysis, helping readers understand both what happened and why it mattered in American religious history.