Religion in America: The Basics

by Michael Pasquier

Overview

Religion in America: The Basics is a concise introduction to the historical development of religions in the United States.

It is an invitation to explore the complex tapestry of religious beliefs and practices that shaped life in North America from the colonial encounters of the fifteenth century to the culture wars of the twenty-first century. Far from a people unified around a common understanding of Christianity, Religion in America: The Basics tracks the steady diversification of the American religious landscape and the many religious conflicts that have changed American society. At the same time, it explores how Americans from a variety of religious backgrounds worked together to face the challenges of racism, poverty, war, and other social concerns.

This thoroughly revised second edition now covers the Obama and Trump administrations, Black Lives Matter, Christian nationalism, pluralism, and the development of the "nones" and the "unaffiliated." With each chapter featuring concise summaries and suggested further readings, this book is an invaluable resource for students approaching the history of religion in America for the first time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781000844269
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/29/2023
Series:	The Basics
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	489 KB

About the Author

Michael Pasquier is Professor of Religious Studies and History at Louisiana State University. His work on the history of religion in America has been supported by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Whiting Foundation.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The History and Memory of Religion in America

3. Religion and Colonialism in Early America, 1400s to 1770s

4. Religion in a New Nation, 1770s to 1860s

5. Religion in a Modernizing America, 1860s to 1920s

6. Religious Diversity in a Globalizing America, 1920s to 2000s

7. Religion in America after 9/11.

Index

Editorial Reviews

"In seeking to introduce students to religion in America, this book skilfully navigates its way through a remarkable variety of people, institutions, events, and traditions over a short number of pages. Throughout, the writing is crisp, conversational, and sharp."

- Paul Harvey, University of Colorado, USA

"If there is one short book I would recommend to give everyone ‘a running start’ into religious literacy, this is it. Pasquier combines vanguard scholarship, easy reading, and new framing (starting with W.E.B. DuBois and ending with Bill Gates) to introduce readers to the people and histories behind the headlines of U.S. religion. Given how often American religion makes global news, we really need this book."

- Julie Byrne, Hofstra University, USA

Pasquier’s book hits on all the major trends in American religious history, retelling in slightly condensed form the narrative familiar from many other textbooks focused on religion in America, but with a refreshing highlighting of African Americans and women. As such it makes a wonderful jumping off point for a scholar of religion in America wishing to explore any number of these people, events, or movements in more depth."

- Erica Hurwitz Andrus, University of Vermont, Burlington

From the Publisher