Wiley-Blackwell Inspiration and Innovation: Religion in the American West (Western History Series)

Covering more than 200 years of history from pre-contact to the present, this textbook places religion at the center of the history of the American West, examining the relationship between religion and the region and their influence on one another.A comprehensive examination of the relationship between religion and the American West and their influence on each other over the course of more than 200 yearsDiscusses diverse groups of people, places, and events that played an important historical role, from organized religion and easily recognized denominations to unorganized religion and cultsProvides straightforward explanations of key religious and theological terms and conceptsWeaves discussion of American Indian religion throughout the text and presents it in dialogue with other groupsEnriches our understanding of American history by examining key factors outside of traditional political, economic, social, and cultural domains Review "In this latest volume in the Western History Series, Todd Kerstetter lucidly depicts how religious belief and practices shaped the lives and interactions of the diverse peoples who lived in and fought for control of the American West."John Turner, George Mason University From the Inside Flap Unique in scope and comprehensive in coverage, this textbook is the first to place religion at the center of an examination of the history of the American West. Covering more than 200 years of history from pre-contact to the present, it details the relationship between the region and religion and the influence they had on one another. The narrative weaves together stories of diverse groups of people, places, and events that played an important historical role, from organized religions and easily recognized denominations to unorganized religions and cults. The author provides straightforward explanations of key theological terms and concepts throughout that augment readers’ understanding of the history. The coverage is broken into sections which mirror major themes in American history and assist students with placing new ideas in context. American Indians and their religion are discussed throughout the text in dialogue with other groups and religions. Beautifully illustrated by more than 20 images, this textbook offers a nuanced narrative that enriches our understanding of the American West by exploring its history outside of the traditional political, economic, social, and cultural domains. From the Back Cover Unique in scope and comprehensive in coverage, this textbook is the first to place religion at the center of an examination of the history of the American West. Covering more than 200 years of history from pre-contact to the present, it details the relationship between the region and religion and the influence they had on one another. The narrative weaves together stories of diverse groups of people, places, and events that played an important historical role, from organized religions and easily recognized denominations to unorganized religions and cults. The author provides straightforward explanations of key theological terms and concepts throughout that augment readers’ understanding of the history. The coverage is broken into sections which mirror major themes in American history and assist students with placing new ideas in context. American Indians and their religion are discussed throughout the text in dialogue with other groups and religions. Beautifully illustrated by more than 20 images, this textbook offers a nuanced narrative that enriches our understanding of the American West by exploring its history outside of the traditional political, economic, social, and cultural domains. About the Author Todd M. Kerstetter is Associate Professor of History at Texas Christian University. He teaches courses on the American West, American Indian history, and US environmental history. He is the author of God’s Country, Uncle Sam’s Land: Fa