Albanese II Chapter eleven: oneness American religion, American identity
In chapter eleven, Albanese touches on many topics such as a Family Temperance pledge, Holidays,public Protestantism, civil religion, Presidents, and Martin Luther King. But two main topics that stand out to me as a reader are: the family temperance pledge and public Protestantism.
The family temperance act is a pledge designed by women to stop the use of excess alcohol. This was formed before the civil war and continued to be put to use after the war was over. At the bottom of the document read, “He will bless all who walk before him in a perfect way.” of course, this pledge tied in with the public Protestant religion. The Protestant believe is that after death comes a reward of having afterlife or punishment depending on your relationship with God. Protestants came to believe that alcohol was not the only thing to separate you from Jesus. They believed that gambling, sex, and dancing also played a role. They believe that people were becoming corrupt. It was suggested by the church that these things were done in moderation. Eventually, in 1825, after people got used to living a lifestyle of moderation, the church decided abstinence was key. This way of life was not only affective for the church but also helping society as a whole. Albanese writes, “Public Protestantism and general American culture became intertwined”. This quote buts into better detail how many people converted to public Protistantism.
Groups of public Protestants volunteered to help poverty, crime, women’s rights, and anti-slavery. The idea of moderation was suggested to these groups as well. This is an easy way to convert people called “revivalism”.
Although I do have belief in God and consider myself a Christian, after reading Albanese’s chapter eleven, I can not help but question if religion was at least partially created to keep American citizens in order. Keeping people from doing bad things without having to use physical force to stop them. And of course, death appears less horrifying if you believe you are going somewhere with eternal life.
What is religion? 