Under the Cope of Heaven: Religion, Society, and Politics in Colonial America [Paperback]

Patricia U. Bonomi (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195054172 | ISBN-13: 978-0195054170 | Publication Date: December 15, 1988

In this pathbreaking study, colonial historian Patricia Bonomi argues that religion was as instrumental as either politics or the economy in shaping early American life and values. Looking at the middle and southern colonies as well as at Puritan New England, Bonomi finds an abundance of religious vitality throughout the colonial years among clergy and churchgoers of diverse religious backgrounds. The book focuses on 18th-century religious activity, when churches stabilized and extended their influence to all parts of the colonies, and examines the everyday life of the clergy, the tension between religious competition and religious toleration, and the attitudes and practices of churchgoers from every rank and region. The book also explores the tightening relationship between religion and politics--especially evident in the schisms of the Great Awakening, the growth of denominational factions, and the emergence of an "ideology of dissent"--and illuminates the vital role religion played in the American Revolution. Written with grace and style, Under the Cope of Heaven presents a stimulating new perspective on the formative era of American religious culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent contribution to the social history of colonial religion. With great skill she weaves a narrative that demonstrates the inextricable relation between religion and politics in the colonies. I heartily recommend it, and look forward to using it for many years to come in the classroom."--Mark S. Cladis, Vassar College

"A good succinct study of the relation of politics and religion throughout the colonial period. Especially useful as a summary accessible to udergraduate history majors."--R.K. Donovan, Kansas State University

"[A] timely and thoughtful book."--New Republic

"A splendid overview of the topic of religion in the colonial period. The book is gracefully and economically written, provocative yet respectful of opposing views....Goes far toward providing a genuinely balanced account of the role of religion in the formation of the American mind."--William and Mary Quarterly

"Her depth of scholarship and documentation will please the scholar; her relation of her topic to American history in general will please the generalist, student or lay person; and her graceful writing style will endear her to all. The book is highly recommended."--History

About the Author

Patricia U. Bonomi, Professor of History, New York University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 15, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195054172
• ISBN-13: 978-0195054170
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,790,460 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Work on Religion in Colonial America, July 30, 2006

By 

Erik M. Greenberg "Erik" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under the Cope of Heaven: Religion, Society, and Politics in Colonial America (Hardcover)

Bonomi, a former student of the late Richard Hostadter, provides a detailed account of religious life, toleration and coflict in America. Her work begins by providing an overview of religious life in the colonies, followed by a study of religious toleration, which sher argues was granted begrudgingly as an expedient to promote immigration, and she concludes with an excellent section on the Great Awaening and the way in which it contributed to the America Revolution. A must read for people who require an overlook of this subject in this period.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Under the Cope of Heaven is Illuminating, May 26, 2005

By 

D. A. Joseph (Geauga County Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under the Cope of Heaven: Religion, Society, and Politics in Colonial America (Paperback)

A provocative and insightful collection of material not readily found in other sources. A must for understanding the revolutionary era as well as for connecting the dots to 2005.
Desia

5.0 out of 5 stars Review, December 15, 2009

By 

B. Caisse "Yankindixie" (Waynesboro, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Under the Cope of Heaven: Religion, Society, and Politics in Colonial America (Paperback)

I bought this volume hoping to learn more about the impact of the Great Awakening on the American Revolution. Ms. Bonomi addresses that subject and much more here. It is a wonderful treatise on the impact of religion on American society during the colonial period up to 1776. I found this book quite enlightening and would recommend it to anyone interested in the topic.