American Religion 1820-1920
Description
This class will be a review of American religion from the Second Great Awakening to the Roaring Twenties, with an emphasis on the increasing influence of women in religion. We will review the creation of new denominations such as the Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christian Scientists. We will also discuss the abolitionist movement; the south’s response to that movement; and, of course, the effect of the Civil War on denominations. During this period there was a vast increase in immigration which helped to establish the Catholic Church as the largest denomination. At the same time almost three million Jews came to America. Finally, we will look at the rise of the Social Gospel as well as the response of religious groups to modern science and thought.
Readings
Required Reading: Martin E. Marty, Pilgrims in Their Own Land, ISBN 978-0140082685.
About the Instructor
Ted Stainman has been a military chaplain working with ministers of almost every denomination. He has come to appreciate each for their history and their struggles.
Instructor
Theodore Stainman
Email: tstainman@aol.com
When
Wednesdays
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
6-week course begins 4/9
Location
University of Maine Augusta-Brunswick Center, Orion Hall, 12 Sewall St., Brunswick (Brunswick Landing), Room 101.