Wiley-Blackwell American Religious History (Wiley Blackwell Readers in American Social and Cultural History)

Review "Porterfield calls attention to certain continuing touchstones underlying all the enormous variety of patterns and traits in major religious traditions and movements, each shaped by cultural modifiers. This is a 'reader' with an interpretive point, an abundant and lively but directed collection." Rowland A. Sherrill, Indiana University / Purdue University "This collection of well-chosen primary sources and essays by major scholars illuminates the diversity of the American religious experience in its historical development as well as its contemporary manifestations. It will undoubtedly become a widely-used resource in teaching about American religious history." Peter W. Williams, Miami University "Porterfield has skillfully constructed this wide-ranging collection of historical essays and documents to demonstrate how the American religious experience has manifested over time both an amazing diversity and an underlying thematic unity." Ava Chamberlain, Wright State University "I enjoyed reading this book; I found the selections interesting and challenging and I believe students would as well. Porterfield has written her introductions to each section fairly and with integrity. This is a fine reader, with the potential to raise important questions about both religious history and personal belief." H-Net Reviews Product Description In this outstanding historical reader, the editor has gathered nine essays and over thirty primary documents to present a coherent picture of the history of American religion. From the Inside Flap Religious diversity is more prolific and wide-ranging in the United States than in any other country. The legal guarantee of religious freedom has encouraged respect for religious differences as well as a tendency to debunk institutional religious authority. In this outstanding historical Reader, the editor has gathered nine essays and over thirty primary documents to present a coherent picture of the history of American religion. The picture is a balanced one, identifying major developments and important controversies in American religious history as well as presenting a wide range of beliefs and practices. The book also includes an introductory essay and headnotes that serve as a map for the dozens of articles and documents that follow. Through this volume, students and scholars will understand more about some of the most significant moments, trends, aspects, and interpretations of American religious history. From the Back Cover Religious diversity is more prolific and wide-ranging in the United States than in any other country. The legal guarantee of religious freedom has encouraged respect for religious differences as well as a tendency to debunk institutional religious authority. In this outstanding historical Reader, the editor has gathered nine essays and over thirty primary documents to present a coherent picture of the history of American religion. The picture is a balanced one, identifying major developments and important controversies in American religious history as well as presenting a wide range of beliefs and practices. The book also includes an introductory essay and headnotes that serve as a map for the dozens of articles and documents that follow. Through this volume, students and scholars will understand more about some of the most significant moments, trends, aspects, and interpretations of American religious history. About the Author Amanda Porterfield is Professor in the Religious Studies Program at the University of Wyoming. She is the author of Feminine Spirituality in America (1980), Female Piety in New England (1992), The Power of Religion (1998), and The Transformation of American Religion (2001).