American history has profoundly shaped, and been shaped by, Christianity. This book provides a brisk and lively yet deeply researched survey of these intertwined forces from the colonial period to the present.

Foreword by Mark A. NollIntroduction1. The Old World Order UpendedThe Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 15882. The Limits of Religious FreedomRoger Williams Banished from Massachusetts, 16353. A Collision of CulturesKing Philip's War, 1675-764. Evangelicalism Sweeps AmericaGeorge Whitefield Sparks the First Great Awakening, 17405. A Faith for Enslaved and FreeFirst African American Church Founded at Silver Bluff, South Carolina, 17736. Far from RomeJohn Carroll Elected First Roman Catholic Bishop in the United States, 17897. The Benevolent EmpireAmerican Bible Society Founded, 18168. Houses DividedMethodist Church Splits over Slavery, 18449. Muscular MissionsStudent Volunteer Movement Launched, 188610. Los Angeles FireAzusa Street Revival Catalyzes Pentecostalism, 190611. Science versus Religion?The Scopes "Monkey" Trial, 192512. Civil Rights and Uncivil ReligionSixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing, Birmingham, 196313. Religion Moves RightRonald Reagan Elected President, 1980ConclusionIndex

"A truly brilliant contribution"American history has profoundly shaped, and been shaped by, Christianity. This book provides a brisk and lively yet deeply researched survey of these intertwined forces from the colonial period to the present. "A gem of a book. Christians and non-Christians, scholars and novices, college and seminary students, church groups and armchair readers will all find the book illuminating, accessible, and engaging."--Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Calvin University; New York Times bestselling author of Jesus and John Wayne"More than a dozen academic surveys of American church history grace the field, and each displays distinctive strengths. Yet Coffman's volume offers the strongest overall combination of focus, clarity, research, conciseness, and wit. I would assign this work to virtually any seminary, university, or Christian formation class. A truly brilliant contribution."--Grant Wacker, Duke Divinity School (emeritus)"After reading this accessible work, Christian readers in America will better understand their own story, and those outside the faith and outside the nation may get a better idea of what all the fuss is about when it comes to American Christianity."--Malcolm Foley, Baylor University"If you are looking for a captivating introduction to the story of American Christianity, you would do well to start here. This sweeping, swiftly paced book brims with insights and is guaranteed to leave readers with much to ponder and debate."--Heath W. Carter, Princeton Theological Seminary"Smart, carefully constructed, and richly informative. Coffman asks us to think, consider, and then keep on asking good questions about what she aptly calls the 'lumpy and angular' story of American Christianity in all its diversity and depth."--Margaret Bendroth, author of Good and Mad: Mainline Protestant Churchwomen, 1920-1980"This surprisingly comprehensive series of historical highlights demonstrates the numerous yet profound and often unseen connections between religion, race, gender, and politics. A reliable guide and handy resource."--Gerardo Martí, Davidson College; author of American Blindspot