Religions in America

As we finish up The Myth of American Religious Freedom, think about these questions –

Sehat paints the “moral establishment” as implicitly state-sanctioned, coercive, and relatively monolithic in the 19th century. Are all of those characteristics also true for the 20th century? What are the key features of the religious landscape today? Is there still a “moral establishment” in our time, and in what arenas might it be powerful or weak?

Sehat tells much of the story of the last 50 years through the lens of Supreme Court cases. Could you discuss his argument for the fragmentation of a Protestant moral establishment and the mis-use of history by both sides in the culture wars using some other lens?

After having read the book, do you agree (based on what evidence) that American religious freedom is a myth? Remember, myths can have powerful functions in culture – labeling something a myth may not make it “wrong” or worth dismissing, but might instead help us explain its staying power and coherence. Myths reflect and even shape reality and give narrative structure to history.

To what extent do you, personally, experience degrees of religious freedom and unfreedom? Which of the people, events, court cases, or themes in this book connected with your own identity as an American?

Important Reminders:

The Unit 2 exam on Friday will be a take-home test. You will receive it by email on Thursday 10/4 by 9pm and it will also be posted to Blackboard. It will be due by 10 am on Monday 10/8 (Columbus Day, no class). The next time we meet will be Wed 10/10 and the reading is Diana Eck, “In the Name of Religions,” which is posted to Blackboard. Please make sure to complete your site visit by Mon 10/8.