Anti-Catholicism in America, 1620-1860

by Maura Jane Farrelly

Overview

Using fears of Catholicism as a mechanism through which to explore the contours of Anglo-American understandings of freedom, Anti-Catholicism in America, 1620–1860 reveals the ironic role that anti-Catholicism played in defining and sustaining some of the core values of American identity, values that continue to animate our religious and political discussions today. Farrelly explains how that bias helped to shape colonial and antebellum cultural understandings of God, the individual, salvation, society, government, law, national identity, and freedom. In so doing, Anti-Catholicism in America, 1620–1860 provides contemporary observers with a framework for understanding what is at stake in the debate over the place of Muslims and other non-Christian groups in American society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781316616369
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/09/2017
Series:	Cambridge Essential Histories
Pages:	222
Sales rank:	798,948
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

Maura Jane Farrelly is Associate Professor American Studies at Brandeis University, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. 'It hath been found inconsistent with the safety and welfare of this Protestant Kingdom.': anti-Catholicism in Old England and New; 2. 'This Province is God be thanked very peaceable and quiet.': anti-Catholicism and colonial Catholics in the seventeenth century; 3. 'The common Word then was: No King, No Popery.': anti-Catholicism and the American revolution; 4. 'The Catholic religion is modified by the spirit of the time in America.': anti-Catholicism and the new republic; 5. 'Those now pouring in upon us…are wholly of another kind in morals and intellect.': anti-Catholicism in the age of immigration; 6. 'The benumbing and paralyzing influence of Romanism is such, as to disqualify a person for the relish and enjoyment of liberty.': anti-Catholicism and American politics; Epilogue.

Editorial Reviews

'Farrelly combines the best features of a first-rate scholar, an engaging raconteur, and an accomplished journalist's eye for the larger picture to narrate a rollicking account of the first two hundred years of what has been called 'America's oldest prejudice'. Hers is the new magisterial voice on the block for understanding the colonial and Revolutionary Era distrust of Catholic 'others'. Run out and buy this book.' Mark Massa, S.J., Boisi Center for Religion and American Life, Boston College

'Though thankfully rare today, anti-Catholic prejudice shaped many discussions of public policy early in America's national history. This book fully explores that past, providing important context for understanding religious difference in our present.' James O’Toole, Boston College

'This timely book explores the transformation of a mistrusted minority faith into the largest denomination in the United States. In lively prose, Farrelly guides readers through some of the most important political and cultural contests in early American history, introducing unforgettable and unexpected characters along the way. Anyone interested in the history of American tolerance and intolerance should read this book.' Catherine O’Donnell, Arizona State University

'Anti-Catholicism was a defining prejudice in early America. It clarified what Protestant Americans meant by freedom and where they drew the boundaries of tolerance. In this remarkably concise and vividly composed volume, Maura Jane Farrelly demonstrates how historical tensions between Catholics and Protestants played out in the United States. Anti-Catholicism in America, 1620–1860 offers a riveting account of the struggles that raged within the Church, as well as the resistance it faced from without. It is an elegantly told story of American Catholicism and its long, painful journey into the national mainstream.' Chris Beneke, Bentley University, Massachusetts

‘… her theses should readily lead to robust classroom discussions. The book should be strongly considered by teachers looking for a concise, readable and engaging text.’ Paul J. Gutacker, The Journal of Ecclesiastical History

From the Publisher