The early 19th century saw an explosion of religious enthusiasm along the American frontier. Allitt examines the massive camp meetings, such as Cane Ridge, and the rise of distinctively American denominations like the Methodists, Baptists, and later, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). This era also tied religious zeal to social reform, driving movements for abolitionism, women’s rights, and temperance. 4. The Civil War and Theological Crisis
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The massive waves of immigration that challenged the Protestant establishment, triggering waves of anti-Catholic Nativism.
The study of American religious history is a rich and complex field that offers a profound understanding of the country's development, cultural identity, and the ways in which faith has shaped the lives of its citizens. At the forefront of this field is Prof. Patrick N. Allitt, a renowned historian and scholar who has dedicated his career to exploring the intricate relationships between American history, culture, and religion. As a leading expert in the field, Prof. Allitt has taught numerous courses on American religious history, including the popular TTC (The Teaching Company) course, "American Religious History." TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History
Professor Patrick N. Allitt (Emory University) Format: Audio/Video (The Great Courses) Number of Lectures: 24
Understanding American Faith: A Deep Dive into Prof. Patrick N. Allitt’s "American Religious History"
Following the American Revolution and the establishment of the separation of church and state, the democratized American religion. Allitt details how the frontier camp meetings fueled the rapid expansion of Methodists and Baptists while giving birth to entirely indigenous American faiths, such as Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Seventh-day Adventism. The course also addresses how Christianity was weaponized by both sides during the Civil War to either justify or condemn slavery. 3. Modernity, Secularity, and Pluralism The early 19th century saw an explosion of
The latter half of the course deals with the massive transformations of the 20th century. Allitt covers the rise of the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy (exemplified by the Scopes Trial), the psychological impacts of world wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. He explicitly details how leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. brilliantly married biblical rhetoric with American political ideals to enact legal change. The course concludes by analyzing the post-WWII religious landscape, exploring how mass immigration diversified the nation further with Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Core Analytical Themes
Religion and the Civil War: Allitt delves into how both the North and the South used the Bible to justify their positions on slavery, showing how faith can be a powerful force for both liberation and oppression.
: Highlights the 19th-century movements, missionary work, and the interplay between religion and major societal changes. The study of American religious history is a
One of the most poignant segments of the series examines how both the North and the South used the exact same Bible to justify their opposing stances on slavery. Allitt illustrates how the Civil War was, fundamentally, a religious war. He also details the vital role of the Black Church, showing how enslaved populations adopted Christianity but transformed it into a powerful theology of liberation and survival. 4. The Clash with Modernity and Science
The Teaching Company’s course American Religious History consists of 24 comprehensive lectures. Rather than viewing history strictly through politics or economics, Allitt argues that religion is the primary lens needed to understand American identity. The course tracks several recurring themes:
Presented by Patrick Allitt , a Cahoon Family Professor of American History at Emory University, this series argues that the best way to understand America's unique religious landscape is through its historical evolution. Unlike other industrialized nations that saw religious decline, the U.S. maintained a vigorous and pluralistic religious culture.
: Professor Allitt has authored several related texts, including Major Problems in American Religious History and Religion in America Since 1945 . Religion in America Since 1945 : A History