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Not Catholic Nation: Rethinking America's Religious History

Dean Butler

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Published in Not A Catholic Nation: The Ku Klux Klan Confronts New England In The 1920s

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The United States is often described as a "Christian nation." But what does that really mean? And how has this idea shaped our history?

In Not Catholic Nation, historian Kevin M. Kruse challenges the dominant narrative of America as a Christian nation. Drawing on a wealth of new research, Kruse shows that this idea is a relatively recent invention, and that it was promoted by a small group of conservative elites.

Not a Catholic Nation: The Ku Klux Klan Confronts New England in the 1920s

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2125 KB
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Print length	:	278 pages

Kruse begins his book by examining the religious landscape of colonial America. He shows that the colonies were not as religiously homogeneous as is often assumed. In fact, there was a great deal of religious diversity, with Catholics, Protestants, and Jews all living side by side.

After the Revolution, the new American government adopted a policy of religious toleration. However, this did not mean that the United States was a secular nation. In fact, many of the Founding Fathers believed that Christianity was essential to the success of the new republic.

Over time, the idea of a Christian nation became increasingly popular. This was due in part to the growth of evangelical Protestantism in the early 19th century. Evangelicals believed that America had a special mission to spread Christianity around the world.

The idea of a Christian nation also received a boost from the Supreme Court. In a series of decisions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Court ruled that the United States was a Christian nation. These decisions had a profound impact on American law and culture.

However, the idea of a Christian nation has always been contested. In the 20th century, a growing number of Americans began to question the religious character of the United States. This was due in part to the rise of secularism and the increasing diversity of American society.

Today, the debate over the religious character of the United States continues. Some people believe that the United States is a Christian nation, while others believe that it is a secular nation. This debate is likely to continue for many years to come.

Not Catholic Nation is a groundbreaking work of history that challenges the dominant narrative of America as a Christian nation. Drawing on a wealth of new research, Kruse shows that this idea is a relatively recent invention, and that it was promoted by a small group of conservative elites. Kruse's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and contested history of religion in the United States.

Reviews

"Not Catholic Nation is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and contested history of religion in the United States. Kevin M. Kruse has written a groundbreaking work of history that challenges the dominant narrative of America as a Christian nation."—Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Soul of America

"Not Catholic Nation is a brilliant and original work of history. Kevin M. Kruse has overturned the conventional wisdom about the role of religion in American history. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the United States."—James McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom

"Not Catholic Nation is a major contribution to American religious history. Kevin M. Kruse has written a provocative and persuasive account of how the idea of a Christian nation was invented and promoted. This book is sure to spark debate for years to come."—Kathleen Flake, author of The Politics of American Religious Identity

Not a Catholic Nation: The Ku Klux Klan Confronts New England in the 1920s

4.6 out of 5