You can find “TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History” through several legitimate channels:
Allitt moves from pre-Columbian Native American spirituality through Puritan New England, the Great Awakenings, Mormonism, African American religious traditions, Catholic and Jewish immigration, fundamentalism vs. modernism, up to late 20th-century developments (mega-churches, religious right, New Age movements). No major tradition is ignored.
If you purchase the course (via Audible, Wondrium, or the Great Courses site), you receive a PDF guidebook. This is not just an outline. It includes a detailed timeline, a biographical glossary, maps of religious distribution, and recommended reading lists. For a self-directed student, this guidebook transforms the 18-hour course into a semester-long study.
As the 20th century dawned, Darwin shook the foundations. Allitt’s lectures on the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy are worth the price of the course alone. He explains the "Five Points of Fundamentalism" (inerrancy of Scripture, virgin birth, substitutionary atonement, bodily resurrection, and historical reality of miracles) and how they became a rallying cry against higher criticism and evolution.
The Scopes "Monkey" Trial of 1925 is presented not as a simple victory for science (William Jennings Bryan looked foolish to the press), but as a political defeat for the rural South. Allitt shows how Fundamentalism retreated into the shadows, building a parallel network of Bible colleges and radio ministries—only to re-emerge decades later as the Moral Majority.
| ✅ Good for | ❌ Not ideal for | |------------|----------------| | General learners wanting a solid, unbiased survey of American religious history | Someone seeking a deep dive into one tradition (e.g., only Mormonism or Catholicism) | | Students needing context for American literature, politics, or social movements | Listeners who dislike lecture-only audio (no dramatizations, no music) | | Fans of Allitt’s other TTC courses (e.g., Victorian Britain, The Industrial Revolution) | Those who want post-2000 religious trends covered in depth |
| Resource | Focus | Best for | |----------|-------|-----------| | Allitt (TTC) | Narrative history, broad coverage | Overview, listening while commuting | | The American Religion (Harold Bloom) | Provocative literary thesis | Advanced readers who enjoy theory | | Religion in American Life (Butler, Wacker, et al.) | Textbook, dense but thorough | Academic study | | God in America (PBS documentary) | Visual, dramatic, limited depth | Visual learners | TTC - Prof. Patrick N Allitt - American Religious History
If you want a single, listenable, fair-minded survey of American religious history from pre-colonial times to the 1990s, this is one of the best audio courses available. Allitt is an excellent guide: erudite but not pedantic, humorous but never mocking. Just be aware that you’ll need a supplement (e.g., a recent book or podcast) to cover the last 20+ years.
Recommended especially for:
Where to get it: The Great Courses (Audible, Wondrium, or library via Kanopy/Hoopla).
American Religious History: Exploring the Narrative with Professor Patrick N. Allitt
Religion has always been the invisible bedrock of the American experiment. To understand the United States—its politics, its social tensions, and its cultural identity—one must understand the spiritual evolution of its people. One of the most comprehensive deep dives into this subject is the The Great Courses (TTC) series, American Religious History, taught by Professor Patrick N. Allitt.
Professor Allitt, a distinguished historian from Emory University, brings a unique perspective to this vast timeline. He approaches the subject not as a theologian, but as a historian, tracing how faith has shaped the American landscape from the first European contact to the pluralistic modern era. The Allitt Approach: Why This Series Stands Out You can find “TTC - Prof
Patrick Allitt is renowned for his ability to synthesize complex historical movements into engaging narratives. In American Religious History, he moves beyond simple "church history" to explore how religion interacts with the broader American story. His lectures are characterized by:
Objectivity: Allitt treats every movement—from mainstream Protestantism to fringe cults—with scholarly fairness.
Vivid Character Studies: He brings historical figures like Jonathan Edwards, Anne Hutchinson, and Billy Graham to life.
Focus on Pluralism: He highlights how America transitioned from a predominantly Protestant nation to one of the most religiously diverse countries on Earth. Key Themes Explored in the Course 1. The Great Awakenings
Allitt spends significant time on the periodic "awakenings" that swept the nation. He explains how the First Great Awakening helped unify the colonies before the Revolution, while the Second Great Awakening fueled the 19th-century reform movements, including abolitionism and temperance. 2. Religion and the American Revolution
A pivotal part of the course examines the "deism" of the Founding Fathers. Allitt clarifies the tension between the Enlightenment ideals of men like Thomas Jefferson and the fervent evangelicalism of the American populace, explaining how the concept of "Separation of Church and State" actually allowed religion to flourish. 3. The Immigrant Experience | Resource | Focus | Best for |
As waves of Irish, Italian, and Jewish immigrants arrived, the American religious landscape shifted. Allitt details the rise of American Catholicism and the unique challenges faced by Jewish communities, showing how these groups integrated into—and changed—the national fabric. 4. Social Reform and Civil Rights
The course brilliantly connects the pews to the streets. Allitt demonstrates that the Civil Rights Movement was fundamentally a religious movement, led by Black churches and rooted in biblical calls for justice. He also explores the "Social Gospel" of the early 20th century and the later rise of the Religious Right. 5. Modern Pluralism and New Age Movements
In the latter half of the series, Allitt explores the post-1965 explosion of religious diversity following changes in immigration law. He examines the introduction of Eastern religions (Buddhism, Hinduism) and the rise of the "Nones"—those who claim no specific religious affiliation but often maintain a personal spirituality. Why Study American Religious History Today?
In a world where religion continues to influence Supreme Court decisions, election cycles, and social debates, Professor Allitt’s course is more relevant than ever. It provides the historical literacy needed to understand why Americans believe what they do and how those beliefs drive their actions.
Whether you are a history buff, a student of sociology, or simply curious about the roots of American culture, TTC’s American Religious History with Patrick N. Allitt offers a masterful roadmap through the soul of a nation.
This course, consisting of 24 lectures (approximately 30 minutes each), traces the role of religion from pre-Columbian times to the early 21st century, emphasizing how religious diversity and conflict have shaped American identity, politics, and culture.