Inspiration for the Modern Revolutionary
Many Americans believe strongly in the idea that this is a Christian nation. Surely the vast majority of citizens in the founding generations identified with one denomination or another. Citing those origins is one way to emphasize the idea of a particular kind of unity, a unity, perhaps, that we might like to have more of today.
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How should government protect liberty of conscience? Should the state promote fundamental values, even if those values might seem to promote religion?
In this imagined conversation at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, Baptist preacher Gowan Pamphlet and five-term Virginia governor Patrick Henry wrestle with these questions….
Peter Manseau is the award-winning author of the memoir “Vows: The Story of a Priest, a Nun and Their Son” and the novel “Songs for the Butcher’s Daughter,” among other titles. His new book, “One Nation Under Gods,” examines the history of religious diversity in America, looking past the cliches of Puritans and awakenings to present a more nuanced, complicated-and interesting-picture of the nation’s spiritual life.
Looking forward to his visit to Williamsburg, we asked Mr. Manseau a few questions about what he has learned about being American from his historical inquiries….
By Bill Sullivan
“A commitment to religious freedom is one of the most important achievements of the founding era precisely because it could be dangerous,” said James Sidbury, Andrew W. Mellon Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Rice University, in a talk at the Dewitt Wallace Museum. But dangerous to whom? Sidbury was a featured speaker during Religion Month at Colonial Williamsburg, which features a special emphasis on the role of faith in the nation’s founding….
Colonial Christmas celebrations tended to the austere, with some colonies eschewing festivities entirely. Enter the Rev. George Whitfield, celebrity preacher of the Enlightenment era. His edict to observe, albeit modestly, was a revelation to his flock.
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“A Healing of the Soul” examines the African-American religions of the 18th century….
