Religion in Colonial America

by Jon Butler

Many people believe that the piety of the Pilgrims typified early American religion. However, by the 1730s Catholics, Jews, and Africans had joined Native Americans, Puritans, and numerous Protestant denominations in the colonies. Jon Butler launches his narrative with a description of the
state of religious affairs in both the Old and New Worlds. He explores the failure of John Winthrop's goal to achieve Puritan perfection, the controversy over Anne Hutchinson's tenacious faith, the evangelizing stamina of ex-slave and Methodist preacher Absalom Jones, and the spiritual resilience of
the Catawba Indians. The meeting of these diverse groups and their varied use of music, dance, and ritual produced an unprecedented evolution of religious practice, including the birth of revivals. And through their daily interactions, these Americans created a living foundation for the First
Amendment. After Independence their active diversity of faiths led Americans to the groundbreaking idea that government should abandon the use of law to support any religious group and should instead guarantee free exercise of religion for everyone.

Religion in American Life explores the evolution, character, and dynamics of organized religion in America from 1500 to the present day. Written by distinguished religious historians, these books weave together the varying stories that compose the religious fabric of the United States, from
Puritanism to alternative religious practices. Primary source material coupled with handsome illustrations and lucid text make these books essential in any exploration of Americas diverse nature. Each book includes a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and index.

Genres: History

157 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tiffany]

Another excellent survey of the diversity and plurality of religion in colonial America. At a short 150 pages, this would be the book I would suggest for people wanting an overview of religion in Colonial America.

[Amber]

Fantastic book. It covers religion in the American colonies up to the Revolutionary War. My only wish is that is had covered the Muslim religion as well.

[Austin Nicholson]

Accessible, concise, fair, and pleasantly written introductory overview. Wish it had more precise citations.

[Laine Cunningham]

Totally great research book. I'm working on a New Adult series set in Colonial times about a girl coming to age in a Puritan Community. This work placed her life in a great overview of the time period. Although I found the introduction poorly written, each chapter has a specific focus, and each chapter was very well organized, clearly written, and included plenty of real anecdotes pulled from historical papers. Actually compelling at points as it provided some real human insight into the spiritual beliefs and the intermixing of various religions in the new country over quite a large swath of time. Really an exceptional work.

[Steve Wiggins]

A quick introduction to a fascinating subject. This will give you further groups to read about and will reveal part of America's rich religious texture. Further comments at: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.

[Elizabeth]

New World Faiths: Religion in Colonial America Religion in American Life by Jon Butler – This was a book from my American Revolution class, and it was very informative. Always a plus in a history text. Happy Reading!

[Marsha]

A basic primer in the origin of Americanized Christianity. Excellent for undergraduates or the general public. The lack of citations makes this a little unsettling for some scholars.

[Marie]

See my review in Pennsylvania History- Spring 2009.