Investigating the complex relationship between faith and the founding of the nation.
Prof. Allitt's work on American religious history has significant implications for our understanding of American culture, politics, and society. By examining the complex relationships between faith, politics, and culture, Prof. Allitt provides a unique perspective on the country's development, highlighting the ways in which religion has shaped American identity and culture.
: Prof. Allitt, originally from Britain, provides an "outsider's" analytical lens on American traditions.
Focused on the "Social Gospel," using Christian ethics to reform labor laws, poverty, and civil rights. TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History
How religious convictions fueled major social changes, including Abolitionism Civil Rights Movement Modern Pluralism:
While Allitt covers Native American spirituality (briefly) and African American Christianity (well), (Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs) get very short shrift—only mentioned in the context of 19th-century immigration or 20th-century counterculture. Latino Catholicism and Pentecostalism are mentioned but not deeply explored.
The clash between scientific advancement (Darwinian evolution) and traditional faith, epitomized by the famous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. 5. The Modern Era: Civil Rights and the Political Turn Investigating the complex relationship between faith and the
popularized the camp meeting, fueled the explosive growth of Methodists and Baptists, and gave rise to indigenous American faiths like Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Shakerism. 3. Religion, Slavery, and the Civil War
The Teaching Company (TTC) course "American Religious History" is taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt, a renowned historian and professor at Emory University. The course explores the complex and fascinating history of religion in America, from the colonial era to the present day.
: Lectures touch on "sensory" history—the design of sacred spaces, the sounds of hymns, and even the cultural significance of food, such as the "Protestant casserole". and the Social Gospel The strict
The Civil War is presented as a profound religious crisis. Allitt illustrates how both the North and the South used the exact same Bible to justify their opposing views on slavery and war. The massive casualties forced Americans to rethink their concepts of death, salvation, and divine providence. 5. Modernity, Fundamentalism, and the Social Gospel
The strict, covenant-based society of the New England Puritans.