Major Problems in American Religious History: Documents and Essays

Designed to encourage critical thinking about history, the MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN HISTORY series introduces readers to both primary sources and analytical essays on important topics in U.S. history. The collection of essays and documents in MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN RELIGIOUS HISTORY presents a carefully selected group of readings organized to allow you to evaluate primary sources, test the interpretations of distinguished historians, and draw your own conclusions. Each chapter includes introductions, source notes, and suggested readings.

From the contents:Note: Each chapter concludes with Further Reading.1. APPROACHES TO AMERICAN RELIGIOUS HISTORY.Essays.1. Philip Schaff, Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America Vol. 1, "Indirect Influence of Religious Opinions upon Political Society." 2. Ann Braude, Women s History is American Religious History. 3. Roger Finke and Rodney Stark, Church Membership Has Increased Throughout American History, Especially in the Most Demanding Groups.2. EUROPEAN-INDIAN ENCOUNTERS.Documents.1. Bernal Diaz del Castillo Describes Cortes Replacement of Human Sacrifice with the Cult of the Virgin Mary, c. 1519. 2. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish Castaway, Becomes an Indian healer, 1542. 3. Joseph Jouvency, a Jesuit Priest, Discusses Death and Hell with Canadian Indians, 1610. 4. Roger Williams Explains Rhode Island Indians Language and Religion, 1643. 5. Mary Jemison Describes the Five Feasts by Which the Seneca Marked the Changing Seasons, c.1750. 6. Tecaughretanego Explains Why the Great Spirit Sometimes Permits Men to Go Hungry Before Feeding Them, 1758. 7. John Heckwelder Describes the Delaware Indians View of Bear Spirits, c.1750. 8. John Muir Witnesses the Conversion of Thlinkit Indians to Christianity, c.1876.Essays.1. Daniel K. Richter, The Ordeal of the Longhouse: The Peoples of the Iroquois League in the Era of European Civilization. 2. Joel W. Martin, Sacred Revolt: The Muskogees Struggle for a New World.3. RELIGIOUS LIFE IN THE BRITISH COLONIES: 1607-1775.Documents.1. John Winthrop Outlines His Plan for a Godly Settlement, 1630. 2. William Bradford Sees God s Mercy and Judgment in New England s Changing Fortunes, 1654. 3. Cotton Mather Advises John Richards on Detecting Witches, 1692. 4. Jonathan Edwards on the beginnings of revival. 5. Nathan Cole on hearing Whitfield. 6. Benjamin Franklin Explains His Religious Views in a Letter, 1756. 7. Charles Woodmason, The Carolina Backcountry on the Eve of the Revolution, circa. 1770.Essays.1. Perry Miller, The Puritans Errand into the Wilderness. 2. Annette Laing, Heathens and Infidels: African Christianization. 3. Christine Heryman, Southern Cross: The Beginnings of the Bible Belt.4 RELIGION AND REVOLUTION: 1775-1795.Documents.1. Abraham Keteltas, sermon from 1777, "God Arising and Pleading His People s Cause." 2. Jonathan Boucher s Loyalist Sermon Denounces the Revolution, 1775. 3. Anthony Benezet, Quaker, Denounces War, 1776. 4. Isaac Backus, History of New England Baptists. 5. Lucy Wight Meets Shaker Leader Mother Ann Lee, (c. 1780), 1826. 6. Thomas Jefferson Establishes Religious Freedom in Virginia, 1786. 7. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, Federalist 51.Essays.1. George Marsden, Religion and American. 2. Garry Wills, Deists. 3. Stephen Marini, How the Revolution Stimulated New Religious Movements.5. RELIGION IN THE EARLY REPUBLIC: 1790-1850....

Designed to encourage critical thinking about history, the MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN HISTORY series introduces readers to both primary sources and analytical essays on important topics in U.S. history. The collection of essays and documents in MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN RELIGIOUS HISTORY presents a carefully selected group of readings organized to allow you to evaluate primary sources, test the interpretations of distinguished historians, and draw your own conclusions. Each chapter includes introductions, source notes, and suggested readings.