• NEW - Enlarged discussion in Chapter 2 of the influence of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation.

• NEW - Enhanced coverage in Chapter 7 of antebellum Roman Catholics and Jews, the beginnings of African American denominations, and the “Female Majority.”

• NEW - Expanded coverage of Pentecostalism in Chapter 13.

• NEW - Enriched discussion of Hispanic Catholicism in Chapter 15.

• NEW - Extensive updates in Chapter 16, “Old and New Centers” with new section, “Islam in America Post 9/11.”

• Focus on world religions in America—Reflects the increase in Americans practicing the Islamic and Asian religions.

  • Provides students with a better understanding of religion in America and American history.

• Coverage of Hispanic Catholicism and Protestant evangelicalism.

  • Provides students with context for religion as it is actually practiced by millions of Americans.

• Emphasis on religion and emotion in America.

  • Discusses religious hatred and new religious movements.

• Chronological and historical narrative.

  • Explores the institutions, communities, and traditions of religion in America, focusing on individual religious groups and outlining the distinguishing features of religious culture.

• Accessible approach—Uses three overlapping contexts to frame the narrative.

  • Presents religion in its relation with other aspects of American life; the transatlantic dimension (the European influence); and the interaction of many religious groups.

• Comprehensive coverage.

  • Offers students a blended examination of specific religious groups with attention to broader cultural movements in America—and is concise enough to allow for supplemental readings.

Professor John Corrigan continues to revise this classic text by incorporating fresh historical research and noting recent trends in the religious life of Americans. This comprehensive narrative account of religion in America from the beginnings of European contact through the present depicts the religious life of the American people within the context of a developing American culture. From the pioneering mission efforts of Spanish clergy in the Sixteenth century to the complex pluralism of the Twenty-First century, the story is rich with references to the men and women, ideas, organizations, social forces and encounters, and hopes and frustrations that have shaped the nation's religious life.

FEATURES

• Presents a historical narrative of religious institutions, communities, and traditions in America, focusing on the development of religious groups within shifting cultural contexts.
• Frames the narrative in three overlapping contexts: (1) Religion is pictured in its relations with other aspects of American life; (2) The transoceanic dimension (and especially the European influence); and (3) The interaction of many religious groups.
• Provides coverage that is comprehensive, yet concise enough to allow time for supplemental reading.

NEW TO THIS EDITION

• Enlarged discussion in Chapter 2 of the influence of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation
• Enhanced coverage in Chapter 7 of antebellum Roman Catholics and Jews, the beginnings of African American denominations, and "The Female Majority"
• Expanded coverage of Pentecostalism in Chapter 13
• Enriched discussion of Hispanic Catholicism in Chapter 15
• Extensive updates in Chapter 16, "Old and New Centers" with new section, "Islam in America Post 9/11"