American Religious History

A Bible in front of a gray American flag

The Uproar Over the 'Ultimate American Bible'

September 16, 2021
“Putting the Bible or placing American history within the Bible, or suggesting the U.S. is a source of revelation, is seen by many evangelicals as a kind of heresy,” said HDS Professor Catherine Brekus.
Professor Catherine Brekus

Salem, 1692

March 18, 2021
HDS Professor Catherine Brekus discusses the Salem Witch Hunt and talks about what leads a close-knit community to turn against each other—and draws some uncomfortable parallels with our own moment, from conspiracy theories to the demonization of opponents, especially women.
Supporters of President Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Photo by New York Times

America's Divide Seen in a Clash of Symbols

January 15, 2021
"Biden is intent on taking his oath on the steps of the Capitol because he understands its symbolic power. He is determined to reclaim the Capitol from those who claimed, in the midst of erecting nooses and wreaking violence against the police, to be America's truest patriots," says HDS Professor Catherine Brekus.
Women's History Month

Quiz: Women's History and Religion

March 1, 2020

Who was arrested for trying to secure the vote for women? What percentage of the world's Hindu population is women? Who escaped slavery then became involved in moral reform and abolitionist work?

In honor of Women's History Month, test your knowledge of some religious aspects of how women have shaped world history. (Originally published in 2018)... Read more about Quiz: Women's History and Religion

J.Y. Lee

A History of God at Harvard

January 28, 2020
Offered as a prayer to his “first years,” proctor and MDiv candidate J.Y. Lee ponders the ways that God has shown up throughout Harvard's history.
Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom panel

The State of Religious Freedom in the U.S.

July 15, 2019

Starting July 16, the U.S. Department of State will host its 3-day Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. The event “brings together leaders from around the world to discuss the challenges facing religious freedom, identify means to address religious persecution and discrimination worldwide, and promote greater respect and preservation of religious liberty for all.” Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Vice President Michael Pence, and U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi are all expected to speak.

... Read more about The State of Religious Freedom in the U.S.

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