"American Religious History" by Professor Patrick N. Allitt, produced by The Great Courses, is a 24-lecture survey covering the evolution of American religious life from the colonial era to the 21st century. The course highlights the interplay between religious diversity, politics, and culture, featuring topics such as the Great Awakening, slavery, and modern secularism. For more details, visit The Great Courses American Religious History by Patrick Allitt (Compact Disc)
In his course "American Religious History" The Great Courses (formerly The Teaching Company), Professor Patrick N. Allitt
explores why the United States remains so religiously diverse and vital compared to other industrial nations. A British-born scholar now at Emory University
, Allitt brings an "outsider's" objective perspective to the subject. His storytelling spans from the first European contacts to the late 20th century, focusing on several unique aspects: Emory University Key Storylines and Themes Vitality and Diversity
: Allitt argues that the best way to understand America's unique religious landscape is by studying its history, examining not just formal beliefs but religion’s influence "beyond the pews". Sensory Experience
: He uniquely explores religion through the senses—the design of sacred spaces, the smell of incense, and even the "taste" of religion, famously suggesting the casserole may be the most "Protestant" of all dishes. The Conflict of Ideas
: The course covers how 19th-century discoveries in biology and geology challenged biblical authority, and how these tensions between liberal and traditional traditions continue today. Social Movements
: He highlights how figures like Martin Luther King Jr. fused biblical references with patriotism to champion civil rights, and how both sides of the Civil War believed they were doing "God's will". Amazon.com Professor Allitt's Style Reviewers on
frequently praise his "disarming" British accent and objective, scholarly distance. He avoids moralizing, choosing instead to explain the historical context behind famous incidents like the Salem witch trials or the Rise of Mormonism. from this 24-part series? American Religious History - Audible
The Evolution of American Religious History: A Complex and Dynamic Narrative
As Prof. Patrick N. Allitt guides us through the vast and complex landscape of American Religious History, it becomes clear that the story of faith in America is one of dynamic tension, negotiation, and transformation. From the earliest colonial settlements to the present day, American religious history has been shaped by a diverse array of influences, events, and cultural currents.
The Colonial Era: Puritanism and Pluralism
In the early colonial era, American religious history was characterized by the dominant presence of Puritanism. The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded by John Winthrop and his fellow Puritans, was established with the goal of creating a "City on a Hill" – a beacon of spiritual purity and reformation. However, as the colonies grew and diversified, other denominations and faiths began to emerge, including Anglicanism, Baptism, and Quakerism. This nascent pluralism laid the groundwork for the complex, often contentious, relationships between different religious groups that would come to define American religious history.
The Revolution and the Early National Period: Deism and Revivalism
The American Revolution marked a significant turning point in American religious history. The Enlightenment values of reason, individualism, and skepticism influenced many American thinkers, leading to the rise of Deism. However, this rationalism was countered by the emergence of revivalism, led by preachers such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Revivalism emphasized personal conversion, evangelism, and spiritual renewal, laying the groundwork for the Second Great Awakening of the early 19th century.
The 19th Century: Evangelicalism, Abolitionism, and Sectarianism
The 19th century witnessed significant developments in American religious history. Evangelicalism, with its emphasis on personal conversion and social reform, became a dominant force in American Protestantism. Abolitionism, fueled by evangelical fervor, helped galvanize the anti-slavery movement. Meanwhile, new sects and denominations emerged, including Mormonism, Adventism, and Spiritualism. The Catholic Church also experienced significant growth, driven by immigration from Ireland and Europe.
The 20th Century: Fundamentalism, Secularism, and Pluralism
In the 20th century, American religious history was marked by several significant trends. Fundamentalism, a response to modernism and secularism, emerged as a major force in American Protestantism. The Scopes trial (1925) and the rise of televangelism (1970s-1980s) exemplified the tensions between conservative Christianity and modern American culture. Meanwhile, the post-World War II era saw increased secularization, as America became more pluralistic and diverse. The Civil Rights Movement, influenced by prophetic voices from various faith traditions, highlighted the ongoing role of religion in American social justice.
Contemporary American Religious History: Challenges and Opportunities
In the contemporary era, American religious history continues to evolve. The 21st century has seen a growing diversity of faiths, with increased immigration and the rise of new spiritual movements. However, this diversity has also been accompanied by increased polarization, secularization, and disaffiliation. As America becomes more pluralistic and complex, understanding the rich and dynamic narrative of American religious history can help us better navigate the challenges and opportunities of our own time.
Conclusion
Prof. Patrick N. Allitt's lectures on American Religious History offer a masterful survey of this complex and dynamic narrative. From the colonial era to the present day, American religious history has been shaped by a diverse array of influences, events, and cultural currents. As we reflect on this history, we gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing role of faith in American life, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History
In "American Religious History," a cornerstone series from The Great Courses (TTC), Professor Patrick N. Allitt explores the paradoxical vitality of religion in the United States. While other industrialized nations have seen a steady decline in religious adherence, America remains a global outlier, maintaining a diverse and energetic spiritual landscape. The Course Vision: Beyond the Pews
Professor Allitt, the Cahoon Family Professor of American History at Emory University, brings an "outsider's perspective" to the subject as a British-born scholar. His 24-lecture series argues that to understand America, one must look beyond formal theology to religion's influence on every facet of public life.
Holistic History: The course examines religion not just as a set of beliefs, but as a sensory and cultural experience. Allitt highlights everything from the architectural design of sacred spaces to the "Protestant" nature of the church casserole.
Political Entanglements: A major theme is how the boundaries between religious and political discourse have blurred. Allitt traces this from the biblically-infused rhetoric of Martin Luther King Jr. to the modern politicization of denominations.
Vitality Through Diversity: The series details how the U.S. transitioned from a narrow Protestant consensus to a multi-faith society that includes Catholic, Jewish, African American, and Asian traditions. Key Eras and Movements Covered
The curriculum follows a chronological and thematic arc, starting with colonial contact and moving into the late 20th century. American Religious History - Audible
American Religious History, taught by Prof. Patrick N. Allitt for The Great Courses (TTC), is a 24-lecture survey that explores the immense vitality and diversity of religious life in the United States from European contact to the late 20th century. Course Overview
Presented by Patrick Allitt, a Cahoon Family Professor of American History at Emory University, this series argues that the best way to understand America's unique religious landscape is through its historical evolution. Unlike other industrialized nations that saw religious decline, the U.S. maintained a vigorous and pluralistic religious culture.
Format: 24 lectures, approximately 30 minutes each (12 hours total).
Perspective: Prof. Allitt, originally from Britain, provides an "outsider's" analytical lens on American traditions.
Scope: Covers major denominations (Evangelical, liberal Protestant, Catholic, Jewish) and less formal movements, as well as Mormon, Muslim, African-American, and Asian influences. Key Themes and Subjects
The course investigates religion "beyond the pews," examining how faith intersects with intellectual, social, and political life.
Religious Pluralism and Vitality: Analyzing why the U.S. fosters such a vast variety of beliefs and styles of worship.
Religion and Social Movements: How religion shaped—and was shaped by—the Civil Rights Movement (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.’s biblical appeals), Cold War tensions, the Vietnam War, and feminism.
Political Polarization: Allitt traces the shift from denominational divisions to political ones, where religious Americans are now often divided by their stances on modern secularism and social issues.
Sensory and Material Religion: Lectures touch on "sensory" history—the design of sacred spaces, the sounds of hymns, and even the cultural significance of food, such as the "Protestant casserole".
The American Revolution: Revisiting how religious history has reinterpreted events like the Revolution, moving beyond purely secular or economic explanations. Related Works by Prof. Allitt
To dive deeper into specific eras mentioned in the lectures, you might explore his other publications: American Religious History | The Great Courses Shop
Here’s a detailed review of The Great Courses (TTC) – American Religious History taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt.
13. Reconstruction and the Freedmen’s Churches
14. Judaism in America
15. American Revivalism, 1858–1906
16. The Gospel of Wealth
17. Native American Resistance and Religion
18. American Religious Modernism
19. Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism
20. Pentecostalism and the Holiness Movement
21. The New Religious Consciousness
22. Religion and the Cold War
23. American Religious Politics
24. American Religion in the 21st Century
In the sprawling landscape of The Great Courses (TTC)—formerly known as The Teaching Company—few lecturers manage to balance rigorous academic scholarship with the storytelling verve of a novelist. Prof. Patrick N. Allitt, a British-born historian who has spent decades teaching at Emory University, achieves exactly that. Among his most celebrated lecture series is “American Religious History,” a comprehensive audio and video course that has become a cornerstone for lifelong learners, undergraduate students, and history buffs alike.
If you have ever searched for the keyword “TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History,” you are likely looking for more than just a syllabus. You are looking for a guide through the chaotic, vibrant, and often contradictory spiritual landscape of the United States. This article unpacks why this specific course matters, what it covers, and why Allitt’s unique perspective transforms a potentially dry academic subject into a thrilling narrative about national identity.
If you want a single, listenable, fair-minded survey of American religious history from pre-colonial times to the 1990s, this is one of the best audio courses available. Allitt is an excellent guide: erudite but not pedantic, humorous but never mocking. Just be aware that you’ll need a supplement (e.g., a recent book or podcast) to cover the last 20+ years.
Recommended especially for:
Where to get it: The Great Courses (Audible, Wondrium, or library via Kanopy/Hoopla).
In American Religious History , Professor Patrick N. Allitt of Emory University delivers a 24-lecture exploration of how faith has shaped American social, political, and intellectual life. The course is highly regarded for its balance, moving beyond simple theology to examine religion as a "sensory experience"—from the smell of incense to the cultural significance of the church casserole. Course Structure & Scope
The series follows a roughly chronological path, beginning with the first European contacts and early Puritanism, extending through the late 20th century. American Religious History | The Great Courses Shop
This course, taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt for The Great Courses (formerly The Teaching Company), provides a comprehensive narrative of the religious life in the United States from European contact to the late 20th century. It moves beyond formal theology to explore how religion has shaped American politics, culture, and social reform. Course Overview
Vitality & Diversity: Explores why the U.S. remained exceptionally religious compared to secularising trends in Europe.
"Beyond the Pews": Investigates the impact of faith on everyday life, including intellectual trends, economic concerns, and social movements like the Civil Rights era.
Sensory Experience: Examines religion through the physical design of places of worship, the sounds of hymns, and even cultural food traditions (e.g., the "Protestant casserole"). Key Themes and Historical Periods
Colonial Origins: Covers the European background, Native American encounters, and the profound influence of the Puritans.
The Founding Era: Discusses the development of religious freedom, including the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom authored by Thomas Jefferson. "American Religious History" by Professor Patrick N
Expansion and Reform: Highlights the 19th-century movements, missionary work, and the interplay between religion and major societal changes.
20th Century Challenges: Addresses modern phenomena such as:
Secularization and the rise of the "nones" (religiously unaffiliated).
Social Upheaval: The role of religion in political activism and the Civil Rights Movement.
Modern Pluralism: The impact of immigration on America's religious landscape. Reference and Materials Structure: The course is typically divided into two parts.
Availability: It can be found on platforms like Audible, Storytel, and Amazon.
Supplementary Reading: Professor Allitt has authored several related texts, including Major Problems in American Religious History and Religion in America Since 1945. Religion in America Since 1945 : A History
1. Major Features of American Religious History
2. The Indigenous Americans and Their Religion
3. The Religious World of the Puritans
4. Puritan Religious Practices
5. The Great Awakening
6. Religion and the American Revolution
7. The Second Great Awakening
8. Oneida, Shakers, and Mormons
9. Catholicism in America, 1789–1860
10. African-American Religion
11. The Civil War as Religious Trial
12. Religion and the Confederacy
One of the greatest risks of teaching religious history is condescension. A secular historian might dismiss revivalist fervor as mass hysteria. A partisan historian might demonize opponents. Allitt avoids both traps. He explains what people believed and why those beliefs made rational sense within their historical context. You leave understanding not just the events of the Great Awakening, but the emotional experience of being born again.
This is where the course truly catches fire. The Second Great Awakening (1790–1840s) democratized American religion. Allitt describes the "burned-over district" of upstate New York, where spiritual fervor was so intense that it produced everything from Mormonism (Joseph Smith) to the Seventh-day Adventists (Ellen White) to the Shakers.
Allitt excels here by connecting theology to social action. He demonstrates how the Awakening fueled the abolitionist movement (Theodore Weld, the Grimké sisters), the women’s suffrage movement (Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who cut their teeth in temperance societies), and the utopian communities (Oneida, Brook Farm). The lecture on "Southern Religion and Slavery" is particularly sobering, showing how both slave owners and enslaved people used the Bible—one to justify hierarchy, the other to promise deliverance. Part II (Lectures 13–24) 13