Religion and the Founding of the American Republic [Paperback]

James H. Hutson (Author), Jaroslav Pelikan (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1998

In a clear and original treatment of a controversial topic, historian James H. Hutson describes the rise of organized religion in America and its interaction with government from the arrival of Protestant and Catholic groups in New England and the middle Colonies in the early 17th century to the establishment of new religious groups in the early decades of the 19th century. By interpreting the Puritans' arrival in New England in the context of European religious persecution, he lays the groundwork for his examination of the evolving relationship between church and state in America. The history of Rhode Island Baptists and Pennsylvania Quakers prefigured the principles of religious freedom and separation of church and state laid down in the founding documents of the US. Hutson describes the founding of the federal and state governments and the founders' attitudes toward religion's role in government. Hutson's own expertise and the Library of Congress's rich documentation of this period give particular weight and interest to this period.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

8 1/2 x 11 trim. 77 illus. (16 color). LC 97-45620

About the Author

JAMES H. HUTSON is chief of the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress. His most recent book is The Sister Republics: Switzerland and the United States from 1776 to the Present (1991). JON BUTLER's most recent book is Awash in a Sea of Faith (1990).

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Library of Congress (April 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844409480
• ISBN-13: 978-0844409481
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #330,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly presentation of a volatile subject, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Religion and the Founding of the American Republic (Paperback)

A masterful treatment of a difficult subject. Refreshing in it's even-handedness, staying clear of the strident presentation too often represented in this subject area. Based on substantial quotations from original text, the author presents the facts of the federal and state legal positions on church and religion. Further, he presents the influence of religious principles on the development of the government institutions within the context of that culture and society. Very well written. And very readable - not too scholarly.