History of American Religion, 1865 to Present will consider the varieties of American religious experience while keeping in mind the importance of pluralism in the U.S. context.
In Chapter 1 of “Material Christianity”, Colleen McDannell asserts that the physical expression of Christian faith and tradition, through use of religious images, artifacts, relics, art and statuary, (material representation), has continuously existed throughout the American historical experience. The physical manifestation of material Christian symbolism has been transformed over time, and, as McDannell asserts, “it [...]
In Chapter 8, author Colleen McDannell highlights the impact of Christian Retailing by emphasizing the sales and services of Christian objects (from T-shirts to porcelain statues) for both individual and household uses, and asserts that it . . . ” is a significant aspect of contemporary religious life in America” (p. 222). McDannell cites statistics indicating [...]
In chapters 5 and 6, McDannell looks at the subject of water from the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France and Christian Kitsch, respectively. McDannell begins chapter 5 by stating that she is looking at the “economy of the holy.” (133) This is fitting considering the extensive spiritual and material network [...]
In Chapter 7, McDannell discusses Mormon undergarments and their meaning to those who wear them. What is striking from the beginning is the secrecy that surrounds the garments and the associated rituals. Scholars find it difficult to research this topic since the church leaders tenaciously guard documents. McDannell does agree that “some of the blame [...]
Colleen McDannell’s book takes a look at, as the title suggests, materialism in Christianity. McDannell discusses the importance of imagery in various cultural aspects of the Christian religion. She notes in the first chapter that this subject is often not touched upon but should be discussed more thoroughly due to the insights [...]