We'll discuss the materials from last Thursday's syllabus.  As the video showed, and as the readings confirm, the United States has been a fertile breeding ground for new religious experiments.  I hope we realize that innovations have happened and continue to happen within "mainstream" religious expressions, as well. I apologize for being out ill last Thursday.  One doesn't plan for those things, but they happen anyway.

From Chapter 12:  Public Protestantism:  Historical Dominance and the One Religion of the United States,  the In Overview section, pp. 429-30
From Chapter 13:  Civil Religion, Millennial Politics and History, the In Overview section, pp. 460-461
Chapter 14:   Cultural Religion:  Millennial Explorations of Dominance and Innocence, pp. 463-500

In Traditional societies such as Native American tribal cultures, in Utopian communities such as the Shakers, and in religious communities of faith which emphasize withdrawal from the world, such as Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses, the concept of religion, the concept of society, and the concept of culture are nearly inseparable from each other.  In this final class of the semester, we'll explore the idea that there are some striking similarities to this in a complex modern culture such as our own,  and that many Americans celebrate a kind of "religion" of America which includes the same elements of creed, cultus, code and community as "other religions"  include.  Many devout people would see no contradiction in practicing their individual faiths simultaneously with this "American" faith.  For other, more secular Americans, this may be the only faith they do practice, though they may not see it as such.  In today's readings, pay special attention to the sections on the sections on the "ritual calendar and sacred stories."  Note, too, how Albanese incorporates technology and psychology in her suggestions about the American "Creed".  You'll also meet "Saint Elvis" and "Saint Jerry Garcia" in the pages of this most interesting chapter.
 
 

Due:  Friday, May 17, by 5:00, in my Office.

Do any of the following:

1.  Using materials from Albanese, Corbett, Allitt, the Internet, and the video "Say Amen, Somebody," as inspiration, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) analysis of the role of Religion in the Black Community.

2.  Using materials from Albanese, Corbett, Allitt, the Internet, and the video "Say Amen, Somebody," as inspiration, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) analysis of the ways Religion as practiced in the Black Community has enriched white American Culture.

3.  Using materials from Albanese, Corbett, the Internet, and the video "Hands to Work, Hearts, to God " (if appropriate) as inspiration, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) reaction to any one of the "home grown" American communities of faith.  What particular attractions does it offer the faithful?  What are its unique qualities?  If you attempt this one, be careful to respect what you may disagree with theologically.  Remember what academic study of religion is designed to achieve.

4.  Using materials from Albanese,  and your own experiences, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) description of American Cultural Religion.  Try to add your own nominations of  "saints" "festivals" "creedal statements" and  "sacred stories" to those suggested in your text. Is cultural religion compatible with religion as expressed through communities of faith?  Why, or why not, in your judgment?
 
 

There will be an Optional final exam for anyone who would like to boost his or her grade or who would find responding to the question stimulating.  It will NOT lower grades.  This exam will take place during the regularly scheduled exam period for this class, in our normal room.  There will be one essay question, blue books will be provided.  The question is:

In what way or ways has the American Experience, and especially American Pluralism, modified the communities of faith brought to this country by immigrants from elsewhere?    You may bring an outline with you, if you wish.  The outline should be turned in with the examination.