In his 24-lecture series "American Religious History" for The Teaching Company (now The Great Courses ), Professor Patrick N. Allitt
While high school history textbooks often lump the colonists together, Allitt meticulously dissects the theological differences between the Puritans of New England, the Anglicans of Virginia, and the Quakers of Pennsylvania. He paints a picture of a "haven for hell-raisers"—a place where religious dissenters who couldn't fit into the rigid structures of European society came to build their own versions of utopia. TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History
6. Religion and the American Revolution
Since its release, this course has maintained a 4.5+ star rating on most platforms. Reviewers consistently praise Allitt’s delivery (he is “addictively listenable”) and the comprehensiveness of the syllabus. Unlike newer courses that focus exclusively on the 20th century, Allitt spends appropriate time on the colonial and 19th-century foundations, arguing that you cannot understand Jerry Falwell without understanding Jonathan Edwards. In his 24-lecture series "American Religious History" for
Dr. Allitt is the Cahoon Family Professor of American History at Emory University. He is an expert in American religious, intellectual, and environmental history and has created over 10 lecture series for The Great Courses. The Great Courses: American Religious History Unlike newer courses that focus exclusively on the
The 19th Century: Revivals, Denominations, and Social Reform
The 20th century brought about significant transformations in American Christianity. Prof. Allitt explores the ecumenical movement, which aimed to unite various Christian denominations. He also discusses the rise of Pentecostalism and charismatic movements, which emphasized spiritual gifts and personal experiences. The professor analyzes the resurgence of conservative evangelicalism, led by figures like Billy Graham, and its impact on American politics and culture.