Religious Pluralism in America: The Contentious History of a Founding Ideal

by William R. Hutchison

In this groundbreaking and timely history, an eminent historian of religion chronicles America’s struggle to fulfill the promise of religious toleration enshrined in our Constitution. William Hutchison shows that as Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and others emerged to challenge the Protestant mainstream, we have expanded our understanding of what it means to be a religiously diverse country.

“[This] landmark study address[es] a topic that is both central to American history and relevant to pressing current debates. . . . Stimulating, illuminating, and provocative.”—Mark Noll

“A fascinating account of how religious pluralism, a pluralism that now accepts the most distant stretches of religious diversity, has become institutionalized in the United States.”—Nathan Glazer

“Rich and engaging.”—Thomas C. Berg, Christian Century

“Hutchison’s history is learned and accessible. In its use of cultural evidence—including political cartoons, gospel lyrics, portraits, and photographs—it is even entertaining. . . . More importantly, at all points it is clear.”—Erin Leib, New York Sun

Genres: American History, Nonfiction, History, Religion

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a grad class.
Probably the most surprising book of the semester. It doesn't look or sound like anything I'd be interested in. But it is incredibly readable, enjoyable even. Another that I'll hopefully get back to all in one go.