Religion in America

1

Pick a religion with American roots The great American experiment with religion is off to a start. We find in American history a precedent of experimentation, hope, and “utopianism.” Benjamin Zablocki—professor of sociology at Rutgers (possibly retired)—specialized in the sociology of religion. He categorized communities rather extensively, as we will see. Bear in mind that there can be and often is an overlap of these categories in terms of a community’s scope, goals, manifest, ideologies, etc. His categories of communities include the following descriptors:

alternative

psychological

cooperative rehabilitational counter-cultural** religious egalitarian spiritual political experimental*

*I would argue that to an extent all of these community-formation enterprises are “experimental.” However, Zablocki’s category of “experimental” may apply to miscellaneous ideologies being put to the test in a community structure that do not easily lend themselves to classification. **Please note that Hippies and the great counter-cultural experiments of the 1967 Summer of Love in San Francisco will be a later focus in our course.

For the purposes of the Pick-a-Religion assignment, we will restrict ourselves to religious movements with American roots from earlier American “religious” history. In the mélange of religions folder, students will find a number of media links to suggested traditions to research such as the Amish, Shakers, Mennonites, Mormons, the Onedia community etc. And of all resources! The National Park Services offer “Utopias in America.” https://www.nps.gov/articles/utopias-in-america.htm

Form criteria:

 Title page

 (abstract is helpful) Introduction; body of paper; conclusion; reference list: minimum 4- 5 pages typed double space

 Use conventional (“normal”) margins (1” top/bottom/right/left); the default Calibri font is fine, though I prefer Times New Roman; keep typeface to 11 or 12 point—not larger! Footers/Headers depending on chosen format. Don’t forget to paginate!

 Use subtitles, or subheadings to guide readers (To locate a sample paper on our BB course menu select: Important Resources. Scroll down to The Write Place.)

Content criteria: Guiding questions We have seen in our readings and study, for instance, how the Puritans dissented and left the (Anglican) Church of England; we can trace on our Mindomo map how dissension resulted in sectarian divisions, new, “nontraditional” movements, and in some cases, became part of the fledgling American approach to religious diversity: the denomination. Besides bearing in mind defining concepts such as dissension, separatism, sect, movement, denomination, etc., consider key founders or organizers, and the ideas upon which their community or religious movement is largely based. Answer these guiding questions in the body of your paper.

2

1. Identify the essential root causes for the development of this religious kernel—this

seed of an idea—that either caused a sectarian division from a larger group, or birthed from grass-roots level a new religious movement. What were the issues that motivated its founder(s) to start this particular model?

2. What aspects of this sect, group, community, or denomination do you find most appealing and/or unusual? Be clear and concise.

3. Identify some two or three particular problems that might arise from practicing this faith or sect. In your analysis, consider briefly if the problems were recognized, addressed, and resolved, or, if these problems brought about more dissension, splinter, or failure of the movement.

4. Have any of its members fallen into trouble with the authorities, or experienced harassment or persecution? Describe briefly but be sure to incorporate 1-2 specific examples. If the answer was no, then consider how outsiders might have critiqued the group, sect, community, or religious movement.

5. Given the historical era and circumstances, would you have joined this group? Why or why not?

Conclusion: As you wrap up your short paper, loop back to your introduction with a brief restatement of what you had intended to accomplish. (Of course this gives you the opportunity to review and ensure that you did indeed give to the reader what you had proposed.)

Engagement with the material—Students must demonstrate thorough research, analytical skills, depth of treatment, and competency in topic treatment. Justify, interact with, and explain the interrelatedness and relevancy of any and all direct quotes used, and ensure proper citation of references. (0-25 points)

This also applies to any media viewed as part of your research on your choice of a religious movement with American roots, or your analysis of a religious community "experiment."

0-25 points

Clarity and creativity—A critical thinker is also a clear and creative thinker. Strive to formulate and articulate original ideas. The viewpoints you present in your own writing must be clearly conceived and well articulated or argued. A professor of religion noted this is particularly true in the humanities— “Interpretation of religious phenomena requires that you come to some meaningful relationship with your object of study.”

0-15 points

Mechanics, organization — Your writing style should be straightforward, easy to read, and should be clearly related to the issues you wish to address. Topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph are helpful in establishing premises or major ideas. Package your ideas with an eye to easy-to-follow organization and conciseness. Be mindful of grammar, spelling, and paragraph divisions.

0-10 points