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American Religious History

By: Patrick N. Allitt, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Patrick N. Allitt
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Summary

Have you ever wondered why America, unlike virtually any other industrial nation, continues to show so much religious vitality? Or why are the varieties of religion found in the United States are so numerous and diverse? In this vigorous series of 24 lectures, Professor Allitt argues that the best way to look for explanations of this truly remarkable vitality and diversity is to study the nation's religious history.

That's a task, though, that involves more than simply examining religion from the directions you might expect, including its formal beliefs, its ideas, its communal or institutional loyalties, and its styles of worship. It also requires looking at religion's influence on life "beyond the pews" - investigating the subtle but important links that have long brought religion into close contact with the intellectual, social, economic, and political concerns of Americans, such as Martin Luther King Jr. using a mixture of biblical references and appeals to patriotism to press the case for civil rights.

The lectures also address American religion as a sensory experience - a phenomenon whose deep spiritual and social meanings can in part be seen in the design of churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples; heard in the sounds of hymns, prayers, and chants; smelled in Catholic or Buddhist incense, or even tasted, as you discover when you learn why the casserole may be the most "Protestant" of all dishes!

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses
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worth the listen

Prof. Allitt has a thorough understanding of American Religious history. He presents it in a non-bias way. I enjoyed listening to it and appreciated the complexity of the American society.

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Partridge presents American Religious History

Excellent overview of religions and their history in the USA. Lots of neat details and topics to research further.

Only thing is, the lecturer sounds just like Alan Partridge, accent and intonation. Which made it all the more compelling personally as I imagined in my minds eye Partridge delivering this series of lectures. What a TV show that would be, Partridge on Christ!

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