U.S. Politics & Government - 1812 - 1860, Christianity & Politics, 18th Century American History - Social Aspects, U.S. Church History, 18th Century American History - General & Miscellaneous
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Overview
Forgotten Features of the Founding: The Recovery of Religious Themes in the Early American Republic explores the deep significance of previously neglected religious themes in the Founding Era. James Hutson convincingly argues that without understanding these themes, it is impossible to comprehend the religious mentality of that period. Among the themes elucidated and explored are the doctrine of the future state of rewards and punishments, the civil magistrate's idealized role as the nursing father, and the conception of rights as moral powers grounded in religion. Hutson's work challenges current scholarship on the Founding Era, which often downplays the importance of Christian ideals in the formation of the United States government. Forgotten Features of the Founding is a must-read for scholars of American history and those interested in the role of religion in American life.Synopsis
Forgotten Features of the Founding: The Recovery of Religious Themes in the Early American Republic is a book of six original essays that explore the deep significance of previously neglected religious themes in the Founding Era. Author James Hutson argues convincingly that without understanding these themes, it is impossible to comprehend the religious mentality of the Founding Era.
Editorials
Journal of Church and State
Forgotten Features of the Founding confirms that the author is among the most astute students of religion in early American political and legal culture. Few scholars writing today are more familiar with, or make better use of, the primary documents of the founding era than James Hutson. Drawing on his vast knowledge of both primary sources and the most current scholarship, he offers new insights into old controversies and challenges readers to reconsider long held assumptions. . . . These original, provocative, and learned essays are a valuable addition to the literature on the diverse influences that shaped the American founding. This perceptive work is highly recommended for specialist and nonspecialist readers alike.Matthew Spalding
These penetrating, richly documented, and well-argued essays not only challenge conventional interpretations about church and state in early American history but also bring to light provocative themes and topics long overlooked—and refreshingly relevant to today's debates about the relationship of religion and politics.Journal Of Church and State
Forgotten Features of the Founding confirms that the author is among the most astute students of religion in early American political and legal culture. Few scholars writing today are more familiar with, or make better use of, the primary documents of the founding era than James Hutson. Drawing on his vast knowledge of both primary sources and the most current scholarship, he offers new insights into old controversies and challenges readers to reconsider long held assumptions. . . . These original, provocative, and learned essays are a valuable addition to the literature on the diverse influences that shaped the American founding. This perceptive work is highly recommended for specialist and nonspecialist readers alike.Daniel Dreisbach
"This collection of trenchant essays confirms that James H. Hutson is the most astute scholar of religion's often neglected contributions to the American founding. Drawing on his vast knowledge of primary sources and current scholarship, Hutson offers new insights into old controversies and challenges readers to reconsider long held assumptions. This original,provocative, and wise book is required reading for everyone interested in the religious themes of the founding era."
The Standard Reader
The essays on William Penn, James Madison, and the Founders' reading of French authors are particularly noteworthy, and Hutson's take on the use and misuse of the idea of America as a Christian nation deserves wide circulation. An important collection on an important topic.Book Details
Published
June 1, 2003
Publisher
Lexington Books
Pages
210
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780739105719