Chapter 13An American Renaissance: Religion, Romanticism, and Reform Rational religion 1. The concept of mission in the American character 2. The development of deism 1. Roots in rationalism and Calvinism 2.…
In a landmark examination of the American society and culture, Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America offered a unique Tocqueville provides a fascinating account of three oppressed ethnic groups in America, the Negroes and the Indians. “these two unlucky races have in common neither birth, appearances, language, nor mores,” In comparatively Outsider’s thought on liberty and its limitations amongst the inhabitants of the United States, particularly in the relations of three races “naturally distinct and hostile to one another”. Though this provocative comparison may initially appear to be vast however his analysis proves that the allegory is outstanding and well-constructed. Moreover, the equality informs a new mode of cooperation…
As Americans entered an era of transition and instability, they sought to expand democratic ideals in the society. In response to sudden changes occurring and traditional values being challenged, various reform movements during 1825-1850 began to focus on democratic ideals. The rise of religious revivals, movements for equal rights and protecting liberties of different social groups, want to advance society technologically, and desire to bring order and control helped reform the society to live up to the nation’s founding ideals. Teaching them (I don’t get who “them” is) the habits of thrift, orderliness, temperance and industry was a way to not only better their lives but a way to instill certain democratic values and advance the perfection of society as a whole. The rise of popular religion and a series of religious revivals reinforced American democracy and liberty.…
Church and State in America: The First Two Centuries, by James H. Hutson explores the history of the relationship of church and state from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. Hutson explains the connection of the events in Europe and its effects on church and state in America, for example the revolution in Europe eventually had its impact on America resulting in a revolution of their own. Although America had established their own government they had a difficult time breaking away from the previous ways of the English. The govenrment managed to include Christianity in their propaganda, promoting the spread of Christianity in many of their actions. The establishment of the Federal Constitution was a document that would guide…
Tocqueville believed that since despotism is not restricted by laws or rules and being an arbitrary power which resists the notion of popular sovereignty, a democracy based on equality would result in isolationism ultimately creating a state of despotism. Tocqueville argued that equality resulted in citizens compromising their abilities due to the government limiting the individual’s potential. That a government based on the desires of the majority under the concept of equality actually resulted in isolationism by in essence lining citizen up shoulder to shoulder with no bond to link them together. With a system of equality the common link shared by men turns away from the common good and leads to self-interest and personal greed. Citizens…
The influence of religion upon reformative groups during the years of 1825-1850 was a major proponent to said groups’ spreading of and high reverence for democratic ideology. As seen in document B, churches themselves, as influenced by the equalitarian unwritten doctrine of the Second Great Awakening, worked to accept and aid members of society who were previously untouched by the church. As listed in Doc. B, “harlots, drunkards, infidels, and all sorts of abandoned characters” were taken in by the church, “awakened” and converted. The spiritual and social aid of the church, the feelings comradery and love which came along with membership to the church, and the respect for and appreciation of all members of society (thanks to the Second Great Awakening) was anyone’s to claim, all they had to do was convert. These feelings of comradery and this notion of acceptance are two genuine democratic ideals, though there were countless more displayed and advocated by the church from 1825-1850.…
Every country has a political culture, widely shared beliefs, values, and norms that define the relationship between citizens and its government, and citizens to one another. Alexis de Tocqueville, an early observer of the American political culture, provided some insight during the 1830’s in regards to the relationship between American citizens and its democratic government. Tocqueville believed that equality was what made America great and why its democratic system worked so well. Today equality is still the basis for the American way of life and with the help of media outlets, the internet and social media American involvement has seen an increase compared to that of the 1830’s.…
According to Tocqueville, the primary danger and potential consequence of individualism is that citizens become apathetic. When individualism deteriorates into “general apathy,” Tocqueville claims that “anarchy and despotism” will follow (Tocqueville 704). In these two possible dystopian democracies, either tyranny of the majority or tyranny of the executive power reigns. Both the executive and the majority are “in a position to oppress” when apathy conquers the populace (Tocqueville 704). Furthermore, anarchy and despotism seem to combine in this dystopian democracy, also as a consequence of general apathy.…
* Whole series of religious revivals and the establishment of moral and religious reform societies spanning the early American republic east to west, not one of the societies had dominated over the others…
Now America was still a religious country. Eight in ten people said that prayer was an important part of their day. But more traditional thinking was diminishing along with conservative values. Thinking was becoming more liberal and modern (Trends in Attitudes). But the people’s trust had been betrayed.…
Eisenstein, Marie A. “Rethinking the Relationship between Religion and Political Tolerance in the US” Political Behavior, Vol. 28, No. 4 (Dec., 2006), pp. 327-348.…
In his article, Malloy describes the different role religion plays in the politics of Europe, America, Canada and Australia. Europe has state churches and is highly secularized with a decline in religious beliefs and its effect on politics. The United States has a separate state and church but there is still a very large religious presence in American politics particularly evangelical Christianity. Canada and Australia are, in some ways, a mix of the European and the American model but with a growing prevalence of evangelicals in politics (Malloy, 2011).…
Without its rich mixture of religions, races, and cultures, America wouldn’t be the nation it is today. Founded upon the basis of equality and freedom for all, America is a stage where intensely different cultures not only coexist peacefully but also thrive symbiotically and create a nation (www.worldandi.com). All of this information shows the rapid progress of America, and how it became a great…
The United States is known for its deeply religious history, as well as its tolerant religious diversity. However, this religious dynamic has been faced with some shocks. On the other hand, the religious diversity of this nation continues to grow with non-Western religions making a presence in our nation in the recent years. Despite this growth in religious diversity, the United States is still known for its Christian traditions. By looking at these concepts of thinking, it is clear that there are certain patterns that American religiosity is taking. The argument that American religion has been experiencing disturbances within the past decades exhibits the truth for me. The drastic political and religious shifts an after shocks displayed…
A very admirable quality about Americans is that we have strong, moral values. Americans have proven to have strong values because of what we describe as “unalienable rights”(Jefferson 2). An example of Americans…