This acclaimed biography explores the religious life of Thomas Jefferson and the contribution his strident commitment to religious liberty made to the formation of the nation. Renowned historian
The founder of Rhode Island and of the first Baptist Church in America, an original and passionate advocate for religious freedom, a rare New England colonist who befriended Native Americans and took
The tenth and youngest son of a poor Boston soapmaker, Benjamin Franklin would rise to become, in Thomas Jefferson's words, "the greatest man and ornament of his age." In this short, engaging biograph
This anthology displays the tapestry of religious experience in America during the past three centuries. Compiled and edited by a foremost historian of American religion, these twenty-six spiritual au
An engaging biography of Benjamin Franklin, published on the tricentennial of his birth, offers a marvelous portrait of this towering colonial figure, who, with only two years of formal education, man
Writer, inventor, diplomat, businessman, musician, scientist, humorist, and civic leader are only a few of the hats Franklin wore. Edwin S. Gaustad presents a balanced account of Franklin's life, em
Should prayer be allowed in public schools? Should biology be taught according to Darwin or to the book of Genesis? Why is polygamy against the law? These are just a few of the questions that touch ou
In the lauded Faith of the Founders, revered historian Edwin Gaustad provides a careful consideration of the developing relationship between religion and the state after the American Revolution. With
Dissent in American Religion, originally published in 1973, was the first book to present religious dissent in the United States as a pervasive but hidden and often-ignored stream in American life. Th
"In this little volume Gaustad has provided us with fine primary source material on a little-known Baptist of the 17th century. [Obadiah Holmes's] document itself is of considerable interest, sin
A revised edition of the classic text covers the religious dimensions of American history, offering increased discussion of African American and Native American religious life, Eastern religions, and
In two editions over 40 years, Edwin Gaustad's Atlas of American Religion has been an essential guide to the American religious experience. Now the New Historical Atlas of Religion in America takes t
Roger Williams (1604-1683) was educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge and ordained in the Church of England. In 1630, he sailed for North America in search of religious liberty. Finding the same reli
A selection of primary documents on religious practices and beliefs in North America, including representations of Native American and slave religions, Catholicism, Christianity, and Judaism. Each chr
The second volume covers the period from when the dust of the Civil War has settled to the dawn of the 21st century. The documents are almost all by people actively engaged in religion, and so reflect
