Moving far beyond the realm of traditional "church history," Patrick Allitt here offers a vigorous and erudite survey of the broad canvas of American religion since World War II. Identifying the major trends and telling moments within major denominations and also in less formal religious movements, he asks how these religious groups have shaped, and been shaped by, some of the most important and divisive issues and events of the last half century: the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, feminism and the sexual revolution, abortion rights, the antinuclear and environmentalist movements, and many others. Allitt argues that the boundaries between religious and political discourse have become increasingly blurred in the last fifty years. Having been divided along denominational lines in the early postwar period, religious Americans had come by the 1980s to be divided along political lines instead, as they grappled with the challenges of modernity and secularism. Partly because of this politicization, and partly because of the growing influence of Asian, Latino, and other ethnic groups, the United States is anomalous among the Western industrialized nations, as church membership and religious affiliation generally increased during this period. Religion in America Since 1945 is a masterful analysis of this dynamism and diversity and an ideal starting point for any exploration of the contemporary religious scene.

Identifying the major trends and telling moments within both major denominations and other less formal religious movements, Allitt asks how these religious groups have shaped, and been shaped by, some of the most important and divisive political issues and events of the last half century, including the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, feminism and the sexual revolution, abortion rights, and the antinuclear and environmentalist movements.

About the Author
Patrick Allitt is professor of history at Emory University. He is the author of Catholic Intellectuals and Conservative Politics in America, 1950-1985, Catholic Converts: British and American Intellectuals Turn to Rome, and the editor of Major Problems in American Religious History.

Reviews
Allitt presents the main events, trends, and movements within the religious world as well as the connection between religion and the major issues in national life at the time... As a general survey, this one is accurate and readable enough to interest informed readers at many levels. Library Journal Allitt has written a very good book about religion in America over the past half century... Allitt reminds his readers just how extraordinary our shared experience has been, and how distressful our diversity. America Magazine Patrick Allitt of Emory University has written a very impressive book,Religion in America Since 1945: A History. What has been said about America must also be said about religion in America: it is so vast and various that almost anything said about it is amply supported by the evidence. Unlike too many historians, Allitt understands that the subject of America and the subject of religion in America are not two subjects but one. First Things speaks with authority and verve...thoughful and nuanced...essential reading for all concerned with American religion -- James Carroll American Catholic Studies Allitt's book is a splendidly accessible narrative...His historical narrative is remarkably comprehensive, urbane and fair-minded. -- David Hempton Times Literary Supplement A lucid, compelling narrative of recent U.S. religious history...Scholars, teachers and students of religion in contemporary America are the fortunate beneficiaries of his noteworthy achievement. -- William Vance Trollinger Journal of Church and State This volume, manageable in size and engagingly written, is accessible to the general as well as the specialist reader and will surely find extensive textbook use. -- Debra Higgs Strickland Journal of Religion Allitt has written a lucid and accessible survey. Allitt also deserves kudos for devoting considerable space not only to popular religious culture but also to theological developments. -- Eugene McCarraher, Villanova University Journal of American History Allitt's work is impressive, providing a learned and engaging narrative of a critical epoch in American religious history. Religious Studies Review An engaging and easy-to-read text. -- Howell Williams H-Net Reviews



Book Information
ISBN 9780231121552
Author Patrick Allitt
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press