Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 208 pages
- Published by: Westminster John Knox Press March 8, 2007
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0664223702
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0664223700
-
Book Dimensions:
8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
- Weighs: 12.8 ounces
Product Review
A clever and rewarding book. A search for the prophetic stirs in these pages --
Leigh E. Schmidt, Princeton UniversityVividly explores the popularization of religion in America that has made the United States all but unique among western democracies. --
Jon Butler, Yale University
Product Description
This book is an intriguing narrative of the interplay between American religion and patterns of American culture in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Moore considers the ways nationalism, the separation of church and state, democratic pluralism, and how shifts in boundaries between secular and sacred practice have shaped American religion for the past two-hundred years.
Reader ReviewsYes, some people might not like this book because it causes them to question the Jesus & apple pie patriotism which churches seem to force-feed their members in the south but it is actually quite a brilliant book and extremely clear and well written. Far from being anti-religious this book does not really take a side but simple seeks to provide an objective look at the history of religion in America through all its various veins- social, legal, whatnot... but then again I guess some people (like the previous review) do seem to take objectivity as an assault on their values. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book isn't the insightful views of Moore but just how contrary the facts are to what most of us assume about America's past. For example, at the time of the `founding fathers' church membership was only about 10%! If you want to live out your life within your own little bubble then maybe this book isn't for you - if you enjoy learning and thinking for yourself then I can't recommend this book enough, was truly a breath of fresh air!
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