At its founding, the United States was a religiously diverse place. This book tells how American culture was transformed to accommodate the religious differences within it. It offers an explanation of how early Americans found a way to articulate these differences civilly, and describes how US moved past toleration and towards religious pluralism.

"This book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of American pluralism and religious liberty. Both general readers and specialists will profit from this insightful, readable volume."--Church History "I know of no book that traces the historical transition from toleration to religious liberty in America as well as this one. This highly readable and well-documented text is sure to enjoy a wide readership." -- Derek H. Davis, author of Religion and the Continental Congress, 1774-1789: Contributions to Original Intent "Written in a sparkling style, this book exhibits a comprehensiveness -- both in the text and in the notes - -that wins immediate confidence. Moreover, the theme of the development of religious liberty in America is one whose significance can hardly be exaggerated. Readers will be richly informed by this wise and perceptive book." -- Edwin S. Gaustad, author of Roger Williams and Benjamin Franklin "In this well-written book, Chris Beneke argues that American colonials, even before the American revolution, had moved beyond the legal toleration of religious dissenters to create a pluralist culture that made the category of religious dissenter irrelevant. Several centuries later Americans still wrestle with the meaning of cultural pluralism, but Beneke correctly insists that men and women of ardent faith first made the concept central to the concept of liberty." -- R. Laurence Moore, author of Touchdown Jesus: The Mixing of Sacred and Secular in American History "Beneke sees early American religious toleration as a necessary forerunner to present-day attempts not only to tolerate but to celebrate difference ... [A] wide-ranging, ambitious survey... well written and engaging." --American Historical Review "Beneke persuasively demonstrates that the mere pronouncement of toleration was far removed from the state of true tolerance that would later emerge." --The New England Quarterly "[A] shrewdly observing book." --Journal of Modern History "Refreshing...a multifaceted portrait fo the change in public norms from grudgin toleration of 'error' to a robust articulation of the rights of religious minorities to live out their deepest commitments without fear of harassment or persecution." --Journal of Religion

First in-depth look at how tolerance for religious diversity emerged in early America Focuses on the cultural factors that changed attitudes toward religious pluralism Covers a large geographical area and many different religious groups over a long time-span Written for a general as well as a scholarly audience

First in-depth look at how tolerance for religious diversity emerged in early America Focuses on the cultural factors that changed attitudes toward religious pluralism Covers a large geographical area and many different religious groups over a long time-span Written for a general as well as a scholarly audience