A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America

by Brook Wilensky-Lanford

A kaleidoscopic American history of extraordinary religious transformations, told through the ordinary people who made them happen.

Ever since conquistadores claimed Taino land in the name of their Catholic God and New England Puritans formed their strictly Protestant “city on a hill,” religion has been central to American life. Even as some found religious freedom—Rhode Island welcomed the Quakers, Jews, and Baptists that Massachusetts expelled as dissenters—indigenous people and Africans forced into slavery struggled to protect their religious practices. With the constitutional separation of church and state, it fell to the American people to would they sharpen religion’s formidable powers of division, or reimagine its creative possibilities?

In A God-Shaped Nation, Brook Wilensky-Lanford follows this essential American tension from first contact through the 2024 election. This is an expansive history of extraordinary religious questions, told through the ordinary people who grappled with them. It is a story of Anne Hutchinson, preaching against Puritan clergy; Reform rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise serving soft-shell crab to his kosher guests at an 1883 banquet; and Wovoka, a Paiute man who envisioned the Ghost Dance movement, which persisted in the face of violent government repression at Wounded Knee. It is also a story of Millerites waiting together in vain for Jesus’s return on a rainy October night in 1844; Chinese immigrants bringing Daoist and Buddhist gods to their California temples; Mormons pushing westward to build their “new Zion” in Utah. And in the last fifty years, it has been a story of muscular political power, as the religious right has sought to shape the present and paint the past in its own image.

At a moment when religion penetrates even the most secular aspects of American life, understanding its history is more essential than ever before. “It is in history that the very human work of religion happens,” Wilensky-Lanford shows us, “and in ordinary time that even the most carved-in-stone tenets can and do change.”

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion

Audible Audio

First published June 9, 2026

About the author

Brook Wilensky-Lanford is a religion writer, editor, and teacher. She is the author of A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America, forthcoming in June 2026; and Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden, a 2011 New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice; both are by Grove Press. A former managing editor of the twenty-five-year-old literary magazine Killing the Buddha, Brook's work has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Republic, and elsewhere. Currently the Associate Director of Sacred Writes Public Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University, and a PhD in Religion in the Americas from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she lives.

Reviews

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the author’s writing style and I thought she did a good job at selecting interesting and varied threads and weaving them together into a narrative. The final section felt more predictable and generated other criticisms for me.

This book really needed to be reviewed by a scholar of constitutional law before it went to print. I am definitely NOT a scholar of constitutional law, but I did at least take the class in law school, and I was baffled by the author’s presentation of strict scrutiny.

I also found it odd how she presented left-leaning people as the true possessors of the American spirit, basically. Normally we see right-leaning people claiming this for themselves, but it’s almost as ridiculous for us to do it. It’s just dishonest to claim that “America” was shocked by Trump 1’s racist policies, for example. Plenty of Americans had voted for them and were happy.

She concludes with a sort of kumbaya exhortation that seems to encourage those who aren’t conservative Christians to assert their right to publicly practice and claim their religions. Fine, but it leaves out the truly non-religious (who are only discussed in a short passage on some famous white male New Atheists being unfairly critical of Islam compared to other religions).

[Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. It takes on a kaleidoscope-level of religion in the United States from the country's creation through the present, sad day. The separation of church and state has been a nebulous goal and the line has wavered throughout the last 500 years. The author similarly treads the line of descriptive and prescriptive, but leans toward historical accuracy. While I am not religious, I appreciate the view that the book takes that religion is intertwined with the United States, for better or worse.

[Jerry Edward Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Religion has long been a central fact of American life. Many Americans have, furthermore, consistently regarded Christianity as a singular defining social and political characteristic. The negative impacts of religion, when they did occur, have often been misunderstood and challenged. The fates of indigenous peoples in the western hemisphere can be only one dramatic example. The author of this new book extensively describes the role religion has played in America since the 1490s. The author has extensive experience teaching and writing about religion in its many facets and holds graduate degrees in nonfiction writing and religion. Her previous book, Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden, describes the many attempts at locating the symbolic Biblical feature as a specific geographic spot on Earth. This new book is a history that begins far before the United States as a nation and the adoption of its national constitution which addresses the presence of religion among its First Amendment freedoms. The author writes that the story of religion in America is one of confused teaching, mixed messages, and the real heroism and even martyrdom of individual religious adherents. She addresses the place of diverse religion and religious freedom in America in the face of an almost relentless nationalist Christianity. The author writes of differing religious perspectives on significant historic events. The history begins in 1495 with a small group of Spanish adventurers on the island of Hispaniola. Christopher Columbus was the group’s leader at that time. The expedition included a Catholic priest as well. From that small group would come a vast Spanish colonial empire based in major part on a strong religious impulse and strength. Yet one aim of the early colonizers was to replace and destroy all of the native indigenous religion and religious symbols. The chapter focusing on The Mayflower colonists may be especially illustrative of the impact of religion since there are some thirty-five million who claim family descent from these 1620 colonial settlers. This seems almost like an encyclopedic treatment of history in America. The breadth of ideas and persons written about is truly impressive. Highly recommended for readers who want an understanding of just how religion fits in and impacts our entire American life.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many focused histories of the United States written from different perspectives. Economics, military, social come to mind. Yet, I haven't read such a full history of our county viewed thru the lens of religion. Dr. Wilensky-Lanford has taken on this task. Her book covers over 500 years of religion in America. She not only addresses the Judeo-Christian religions, but also the religions of the native Americans, African slaves, eastern religions of Asian immigrants and the new home grown American religions (mainstream and fringe).

The book covers puritan theocracy, witch trials, religious tolerance, slavery, awakenings, religious intolerance, immigration, internment, fundamentalists, populism, civil rights, integration, conspiracies, legalities, education, drug culture, and politics. Some noteworthy historical events covered are the Pittsburgh Platform, Indian wars, World Parliament of Religions, Scopes-Monkey trial, Billy Graham Crusades, Freedom marches, Roe v Wade, the religious right, AIDS, Jonestown, church scandals, Waco, 911, ACA, Trump, COVID-19, and the Dobbs Decision.

The book's conclusion contains one of the best essays on the relevance of history I've read since Timothy Synders afterwards of Blood Lands. Noting Sydney Ahlstrom's "perils of writing histories that reach up to very recent events," are words of caution considering how much religion now plays in politics.

The only criticism I have is there are some topics that deserved more attention and some that were omitted. This is minor though, when considering the size of the subject. Somethings have to fall on the cutting room floor. Hopefully, the book will have future editions.

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bigoted Polemic. Just 105 days ago, I wrote of Chosen Land by Matthew Avery Sutton that "his assessment told only half the story" - and this tale tells even less in most ways, while at the same time genuinely showing more in some. Covering 500 or so years in a span of just under 700 pages (including roughly 15% bibliography, meeting at least that standard, though really there should have been even more, given some of the claims herein), there really is virtually no way to really cover "religion in America" in even a very shallow depth and do it evenly over that time period in that few pages. Yes, that few. At nearly 700 pages. So any attempt at all is to be commended at least for the undertaking.

Unfortunately that is about the only commendable thing here, as Wilensky-Lanford shows balance only in showing many different religions over that history period, rather than Sutton's focus on Christianity in a more condensed period. (And to be clear, his text was almost exactly the same page count as Wilensky-Lanford's, with about 2/3 the bibliography.) Devoting roughly half of the narrative of a near 700 page book purporting to cover 500 years of religious history in America to the last 80 ish years of that period is a choice. Choosing to editorialize virtually every move made my virtually anyone white and/ or Southern and/ or conservative as racist or otherwise vile is a choice - and a blatantly bigoted one. Going so far as to cast aspersions on the much revered Billy Graham long after his death is a choice, and a bigoted one. Promoting the propaganda of an "insurrection" on Jan 6, 2021 is a choice. Promoting the "Project 2025" conspiracy theory that is nothing more than a leftist version of the ultra right wing "QAnon" *that fueled the very event you claim is an "insurrection"* is a choice.

Now, for those who happen to agree with Wilensky-Lanford's choices here... you're going to have a better overall experience with this text. You need to read *better* and *more balanced* histories too, but you'll enjoy reading this one. Even for those who vehemently disagree with the choices herein, you too will likely learn some things - even I hadn't been aware of much of the Taino religious practices that Wilensky-Lanford covers in this text, and indeed even as recently in the history as the early Civil Rights period, there are indeed some events covered even I wasn't aware of. And yet, even with these inclusions and even as flawed as it is, Sutton's history is still a far more comprehensive one, covering many of the developments within Christianity in America Wilensky-Lanford does here in at least a *somewhat* more balanced fashion.

To be clear, the star deductions are thus for these reasons: one star lost for focusing far too much of the narrative on such a small slice of the overall time period in question, one star lost for such blatant and pervasive bigotry, one star lost for lack of coverage of even ostensibly favorable events that didn't fit well within the bigoted perspective and even several that fit well within it (speaking to women's movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries among both white and colored communities in forcing some of the changes Wilensky-Lanford later highlights and even praises here), and one star deduction for losing any sense of objective historical reporting at all once the narrative moves closer to and into the 21st century.

Ultimately, I leave it to you, the reader of this review and potentially of this book. Even for all of its problems, again, there are absolutely a few flecks within this text of things that you will almost certainly genuinely learn about for the first time. Unfortunately you really do have to wade through an entire decade's worth of industrial bovine *and* porcine excrement to find them. That isn't a gold mine *I* would choose to dig through again. But if you do choose to read this book, please do leave a review wherever you see this one. Maybe I'm too gentle on Wilensky-Lanford here. Maybe I have no fucking clue what I'm talking about and am the world's biggest absolute fucking moron. Feel free to call me out, should you feel the need. But please do leave that review if you choose to read this book.

Not recommended.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author knows her historical points. Wilensky-Lanford colored in on the edges for me on several issues in earlier American religious history.

That said?

In general, what she does with them is problematic. The particular information in many areas makes this look like a personalized approach more than an academic history.

Add in one big error, a couple of mid-sized errors, one big omission related to her background before this book, and it sinks.

Per one lower-star reviewer, I thought about two stars, as far as this being potentially helpful to somebody who has zero knowledge. But then, I thought, no, that's not a good reason for even a partial recommendation.

Let's dig in.

I of course recognized the title in part as being a riff on Augustine. I wasn’t totally put off by it, but it held no additional attraction for me. That said, in the case of Jamestown and the disappeared Roanoke, religion had zip to do with their founding, so a small ding right there.

First big mistake, page 151.

Nope, author, Tom Paine was not an atheist. He was a deist. He always self-identified as such and always said he believed in a creator. Wilensky-Lanford had seemed decent as far as the facts part of history up to that point, getting information at the corners on things I already knew about, like early pushes for separation of church and state. So, blowing this is a full 1 star.

But not the first error. Another is claiming that religion had any real part in the Highland clearances. Several things wrong. First, the clearances’ background starts with James VI of Scotland becoming James I of England and using this as a tool for increasing control over the Highlands in general. Second, by the mid-1700s, certainly after the 45, the Highlands were about as Presbyterian as the Lowlands.

Another? Her picture of Patrick Henry, especially being placed in the chapter “A Wall of Separation.” Yes, he defended Jeremiah Moore, but well after the start of the American Revolution, he still supported establishmentarianism; he just opposed a special role for Anglicanism. He thought Virginians should be taxed to support churches, but all Protestant churches, not just the former Anglican church. (That said, that is also true of Washington.) It's also, that idea, a full-on establishment of Protestantism.

Other interesting “focus” issues? OK, Mormonism, I understand, but the degree of focus on Shakers, or even on “Millerites,” versus more orthodox movements within the Second Great Awakening besides Methodists? One mention of “Disciples of Christ” and no discussion; not even mention of any other Church of Christ/Church of God Campbellites.

More mention of the Native American Church than of Hinduism. I know the former is mentioned because of Employment Division vs Smith. That said, I see what another low-star reviewer meant. Wilensky-Lanford botches the legal explanation. It is NOT strict scrutiny “VERSUS” compelling interest. Rather, strict scrutiny is one of three levels of scrutiny courts can apply, and the most narrow and highest one, when a law is reviewed for infringement of civil rights. Rational basis review is the lowest, then intermediate scrutiny. Rational basis review comes in if it is judged that a fundamental right is not infringed. Intermediate scrutiny brings in compelling interest and adjudicates just how important that interest is. Strict scrutiny goes beyond that to look at how narrowly tailored the law is.

Discussion of “Buddhist” vs Nazi swastikas and allegedly how a directional difference existed and mattered, and ignoring Anasazi swastikas, and even modern US Southwestern Indians working this into their art — at Anglo request — until the 1930s. And of Jain and Hindu ones, which turn right, not left. Having grown up in the US Southwest, seeing her talk about this issue so narrowly, especially when she wanted to talk about the NAC and peyote, was itself basically a full-star ding.

Pre-1850 Spanish/Mexican religion in the US Southwest? Missing. Alleged but not actual Marranos in late 19th century New Mexico to today? None.

Near the end, there’s nuttery like: “[Daniel] Dennett, his white beard cut into a shape that was too much like Charles Darwin’s to be accidental.” Really?

[Ahmed Mousa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great for beginners who get bored easily! I expected a detailed breakdown of different religions in the US. While it covers the subject, it reads more like a novel.

If you're already familiar with American religious history, you'll likely be disappointed.

Overall, it's an average book,given another chance, I'd pick a different one.

[Brian Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and thorough overview of the religious experience in America, warts and all. As a person who outgrew and walked away from religion around the age of 12, I nonetheless have spent a good portion of my life trying to understand how it affects the 95% or so of people in the world who still profess to believe in a higher power. A long book but definitely worth the time!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book, 500 years of condensed American history directly related to where we find ourselves now in current political policies and religious strictures and ideologies. Must read for all Americans who are directly or indirectly affected by religious politics (read: everyone).

[Trent Passey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant approach to the wide gamut of American history! From presidential elections to world wars, from to laws to race relations, it’s fascinating to see the overwhelming influence of religion in every facet of American life through the last 250 years.

[Emily Danielle]

will prob pick this up again when i’m in the mood for non-fiction

[Umar Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skip it