The Great Courses series, American Religious History , taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt
Suggested Reading (for a syllabus)
- Overviews of American religious life (Allitt’s essays or textbook chapters)
- Primary-source collections: revival-era sermons, church reports, reformers’ pamphlets
- Case-study articles on abolitionism, the Social Gospel, and evangelical politics
The course’s only weakness (acknowledged by Allitt in later Q&A sessions) is that it was recorded before the full rise of the "Nones" and the 2016 election’s white evangelical voting bloc. However, the historical machinery he provides allows the listener to interpret those modern events with ease.
3. Emphasis on Diversity & Conflict
Unlike simplistic “Christian nation” narratives, Allitt highlights:
Lecture-by-Lecture Content
Part I (Lectures 1–12)
1. Major Features of American Religious History
Comparison to Other Resources
| Resource | Focus | Best for |
|----------|-------|-----------|
| Allitt (TTC) | Narrative history, broad coverage | Overview, listening while commuting |
| The American Religion (Harold Bloom) | Provocative literary thesis | Advanced readers who enjoy theory |
| Religion in American Life (Butler, Wacker, et al.) | Textbook, dense but thorough | Academic study |
| God in America (PBS documentary) | Visual, dramatic, limited depth | Visual learners |
This guide outlines American Religious History, a 24-lecture course from The Great Courses (formerly The Teaching Company) taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt
Ttc - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History __hot__ -
The Great Courses series, American Religious History , taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt
Suggested Reading (for a syllabus)
- Overviews of American religious life (Allitt’s essays or textbook chapters)
- Primary-source collections: revival-era sermons, church reports, reformers’ pamphlets
- Case-study articles on abolitionism, the Social Gospel, and evangelical politics
The course’s only weakness (acknowledged by Allitt in later Q&A sessions) is that it was recorded before the full rise of the "Nones" and the 2016 election’s white evangelical voting bloc. However, the historical machinery he provides allows the listener to interpret those modern events with ease. TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History
3. Emphasis on Diversity & Conflict
Unlike simplistic “Christian nation” narratives, Allitt highlights: The Great Courses series, American Religious History ,
Lecture-by-Lecture Content
Part I (Lectures 1–12)
1. Major Features of American Religious History Overviews of American religious life (Allitt’s essays or
Comparison to Other Resources
| Resource | Focus | Best for |
|----------|-------|-----------|
| Allitt (TTC) | Narrative history, broad coverage | Overview, listening while commuting |
| The American Religion (Harold Bloom) | Provocative literary thesis | Advanced readers who enjoy theory |
| Religion in American Life (Butler, Wacker, et al.) | Textbook, dense but thorough | Academic study |
| God in America (PBS documentary) | Visual, dramatic, limited depth | Visual learners |
This guide outlines American Religious History, a 24-lecture course from The Great Courses (formerly The Teaching Company) taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt