This course studies the impact Protestant theology and piety have had on society, culture, politics, and the economy of Western nations. After an introduction to the major strands of the Reformation in Europe (Lutheran, Calvinist, Anabaptist, and Anglican), the course will focus on the English-speaking world, the United States in particular. Topics will include religion in Wesleyan's history, African American Protestantism, liberal Protestantism in the early 20th century, and the rise of fundamentalism, evangelicalism, and Pentecostalism in the late 20th century. The last part of the course will focus on the United States as a nation both highly secularized and highly religious. Particular emphasis will be given to issues of church-state relations, the culture wars, and the political influence of the Religious Right. |