Religious Pluralism in America: The Contentious History of a Founding Ideal

In this groundbreaking and timely history, an eminent historian of religion chronicles America’s struggle to fulfill the promise of religious toleration enshrined in our Constitution. William Hutchison shows that as Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and others emerged to challenge the Protestant mainstream, we have expanded our understanding of what it means to be a religiously diverse country.

“[This] landmark study address[es] a topic that is both central to American history and relevant to pressing current debates. . . . Stimulating, illuminating, and provocative.”—Mark Noll

“A fascinating account of how religious pluralism, a pluralism that now accepts the most distant stretches of religious diversity, has become institutionalized in the United States.”—Nathan Glazer

“Rich and engaging.”—Thomas C. Berg, Christian Century

“Hutchison’s history is learned and accessible. In its use of cultural evidence—including political cartoons, gospel lyrics, portraits, and photographs—it is even entertaining. . . . More importantly, at all points it is clear.”—Erin Leib, New York Sun