American Catholics: A History

by Leslie Woodcock Tentler

A sweeping history of American Catholicism from the arrival of the first Spanish missionaries to the present This comprehensive survey of Catholic history in what became the United States spans nearly five hundred years, from the arrival of the first Spanish missionaries to the present. Distinguished historian Leslie Tentler explores lay religious practice and the impact of clergy on Catholic life and culture as she seeks to answer the question, What did it mean to be a “good Catholic” at particular times and in particular places? In its focus on Catholics' participation in American politics and Catholic intellectual life, this book includes in-depth discussions of Catholics, race, and the Civil War; Catholics and public life in the twentieth century; and Catholic education and intellectual life. Shedding light on topics of recent interest such as the role of Catholic women in parish and community life, Catholic reproductive ethics regarding birth control, and the Catholic church sex abuse crisis, this engaging history provides an up-to-date account of the history of American Catholicism.

Genres: Catholic, History, Religion

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2020

About the author

Leslie Woodcock Tentler was a professor of history at the University of Michigan–Dearborn. She is now a professor of history at Catholic University of America. Her books include Seasons of Grace: A History of the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit and Wage-Earning Women: Industrial Employment and Family Life in the United States, 1900-1930.

Reviews

[Mary Northrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the subject of Catholics in America throughout history is of interest to you, you will enjoy this book. The author covers the subject in chronological order, and presents it in a readable manner. A good overview of Catholic history, especially as an ethnic church.

[Joe McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Tentler has written a breezy history of 500 years of American Catholics. I mean that as a compliment. She covers our history well, and somehow has made it an easy read. I think her secret is selecting the incidents of illumination, the incidents that point out where the story is going. Over the years, I have read much of American church history, so I was familiar with at least eighty percent of her narration. Her presentation is marvelous.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book is an incredible resource for anyone looking to deepen their faith or expand their knowledge around American Catholics. I think it's a great book to have on hand as a resource and to read slowly over time. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is in the market to learn more in this area.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of the Catholic experience in America. Like all forms of Christianity, Catholicism, albeit in its own unique way, has had to adjust to the changing tides presented by the American experience and the increasing hold of secularism and differing social mores on the moral imagination of Americans.

[Rabia Jalilian]

it's very "loosely" written. im not sure in what other way to describe

[Joe Armitage · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dry