"American Religious History" Prof. Patrick N. Allitt (CD) (24 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 12x CD - The Great Courses)
This comprehensive historical survey explores the vast, vibrant, and often turbulent landscape of spiritual life in the United States from the colonial era to the modern day. Moving beyond basic denominational timelines, the curriculum frames religious belief and practice as central forces that have continually reshaped American politics, culture, and social movements. The lectures trace how early European traditions collided and fused with Indigenous practices and African spiritualities, setting the stage for a uniquely pluralistic society. Students examine how periodic waves of intense spiritual revivalism completely transformed the nation's cultural landscape, serving as a powerful catalyst for monumental historical shifts including the abolitionist movement, women's suffrage, and major civil rights struggles.
 
The syllabus is carefully structured to trace the constant tension between mainstream religious institutions and emerging radical movements. The course details how the constitutional separation of church and state created a highly competitive religious marketplace, fueling the rapid rise of uniquely American faiths like Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism, and Christian Science. The material dives deeply into the intellectual battles between traditional fundamentalism and modern secularism, tracking how these debates evolved from the Scopes Monkey Trial to modern political battlegrounds. By analyzing historical speeches, theological shifts, and grassroots movements, learners gain a deep understanding of how deeply held convictions continue to define the American national identity.