Religion in Nineteenth Century America
by Grant Wacker
Religion in American Life
ed. by Jon Butler and Harry S. Stout
Oxford University Press 2000
188 pgs
ISBN 0-19-511021-8 Grant Wacker's "Religion in Nineteenth Century America" is a highly readable, creative, and (another) original contribution to Oxford's "Religion in American Life Series." At first glance Wacker appears to avoid the typical chronological organization that most history books seem wedded to. Instead, he chooses an organization by types of people that gives this survey of nineteenth century American religious history a high level of vitality and creativity. The chapters in the book are therefore titled: Founders, Insiders, Visionaries, Restorers, Outsiders, Warriors, Immigrants, Innovators, Conservatives, and Adventurers. The result of this type of organization is that it keeps us focused on the diverse individuals and groups that created and contributed to the very colorful tapestry of nineteenth century American religious history. Almost without noticing it we are moved along chronologically as well. Mr. Wacker frames nineteenth century religion in America within the context of three major trends. The first is the enduring power of evangelical Protestants, in denominations such as Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian. For most of the century these groups, taken together, ran the biggest, wealthiest, and most influential organized-religion show in town. But they never ran the only show. | |
|
