Religions of the United States in practice

By Colleen McDannell

Book Description

This illuminating anthology invites readers to discover how ordinary Americans have lived their faith across two centuries of spiritual practice. Rather than focusing on famous religious leaders or institutional histories, this collection reveals the intimate ways everyday believers have expressed their devotion through prayer, song, healing rituals, and community gatherings.

The book weaves together authentic primary sources with insightful scholarly commentary, creating a tapestry that captures the genuine texture of American religious life. Readers will encounter diverse spiritual expressions, from synagogue prayers and Mormon healing ceremonies to debates over sacred practices like cremation. These documents span formal liturgical traditions alongside spontaneous acts of faith, offering glimpses into how people have sought meaning and connection with the divine.

What makes this exploration particularly rich is its inclusion of the imaginative dimensions of faith. Dreams, visions, and even fictional accounts reveal how spirituality has flourished not only in churches and temples, but in homes, fields, and public spaces throughout American communities.

Each primary source is accompanied by contextual essays that illuminate the historical and theological significance of these practices, making the material accessible to contemporary readers seeking to understand how faith translates into lived experience. This approach offers valuable insights for anyone interested in how spiritual traditions adapt, evolve, and find expression through the authentic experiences of believers navigating their daily lives.