politics of American religious identity, The
Book Description
At the dawn of the twentieth century, America faced a profound question about the boundaries of religious freedom when Senator Reed Smoot, a Mormon apostle, took his seat in the U.S. Senate. What followed was a six-year congressional investigation that would reshape how the nation understood the relationship between faith and citizenship.
Kathleen Flake examines this pivotal moment when Protestant churches, progressive reformers, and government officials grappled with fundamental questions about religious identity in American democracy. The Senate hearings became an unprecedented public forum where every aspect of Mormon belief and practice came under scrutiny, particularly the controversial issue of polygamy.
This investigation reveals how religious communities navigate the tension between maintaining their spiritual identity and adapting to societal expectations. Flake demonstrates how the Mormon church strategically employed storytelling and collective memory to preserve their core beliefs while making necessary changes to gain acceptance in mainstream American society.
The book illuminates a crucial period when the nation's understanding of religious liberty expanded beyond traditional Protestant boundaries. Through careful analysis of congressional testimony, press coverage, and citizen responses, Flake shows how this landmark case established new precedents for how diverse faith communities could participate fully in American civic life.
For readers interested in the intersection of spirituality and social change, this work offers valuable insights into how religious identity evolves within the pressures of cultural transformation.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 238 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Legislators--history
- ✓ Explore Christiantiy and politics
- ✓ Explore Legislators--united states--history--20th century
- ✓ Explore Christianity and politics--church of jesus christ of latter-day saints--history--20th century
- ✓ Explore Christianity and politics--church of jesus christ of latter-day saints--history
- ✓ Explore Christiantiy and politics--church of jesus christ of latter-day saints--history--20th century
- ✓ Explore United states. congress. senate. committee on privileges and elections.
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects of Polygamy