Since the seventeenth century; millions of people from every continent have settled in America. Seeking a better life for themselves and their children; they braved deprivations; studied an unfamiliar language; adapted to a different way of life; and battled prejudices and hostility. Most of them held on to their faith as well; re-establishing churches and meeting-houses; synagogues and mosques; temples and cathedrals; and electing priests; rabbis; imams; and other spiritual leaders from among their number. Immigration irreversibly altered the face of the new republic; and it still moulds the political and spiritual fabric of the nation even to this day. Joselit surveys the history of immigration--which is actually the history of this country--and its effect on both political and religious issues through the centuries. The book explores the immigrant experience through case studies representative of all major newcomers' groups. The vividly rendered stories of courage and perseverance will alternately inspire and horrify.
#328708 in Books Stephen R Haynes 2007-02-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .90 x 9.20l; 1.05 #File Name: 0195313070336 pagesNoah s Curse The Biblical Justification of American Slavery
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Frederick G. WiddowsonFundamental to anyone studying the Antebellum South and American religious history. This is an outstanding and thoroughly sourced work.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Rename it to "The Genesis Justification of Slavery"By J. LakeI would re-subtitle the book the Genesis Justification of Slavery. From a biblical approach he narrowly looked at the historical and theological traditions of Genesis' interpretation. Of this scholarship it was magnificent; but if one names the book "Biblical justification of slavery" I would expect it to cover more than just Genesis. He does not approach the issue of slavery from a systematic theology perspective at all.3 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Why care about Noah?By Barrie W. BrackenThe Old Testament has never been of much interest to me either theological or literary. Perhaps being able to read this book is one reason I rate it with four stars. There are faults with this work; not the least of which is the author's over use of quotations. He points out many interesting writers on the subject; but comes short in discussing the varied views they represent. He does offer the point that Noah's curse on his son has a place in the proslavery literature in America. He presents us with many quotations of many authors without informing us of the acceptance or rejection of these beliefs by the layity.One of the most interesting people he presents is Josiah Priest; "a New Yorker known for his frontier adventure stories; Indian captivity narratives; and `true' tales of the Revolutionary War. [page 42]...whose Slavery as It Relates to the Negro or African Race (1843) was widely read before the Civil War [page 69]." The statement of Priest's position in the authorities of the slavery movement tkes the author 47 pages. For someone unacquainted with Josiah Priest this is a long delay. ( This very influential book is available in a reprint from .) Bishop John Hopkins of Vermont is also cited on page 75 but the author again neglects to place him in perspective of the 19th century crisis. The modern scholar Bertram Wyatt Brown is cited by the author 10 times in relation to part sSouthern honor played in the interpretation of Noah's curse. He should have spent more time on contemporary authors if he wanted to show the place of this scripture in the 1800's.Benjamin M. Palmer; a 19th century cleric; ranks very high with the author; Palmer is considered from page 125 to 174. Perhaps my problem with this book is that the author tries to make a book out of the handling of Noah's curse on Ham and the tenuous connection of it with American slavery. If you are interested in the curse itself or in Noah or the Old Testament then you will rpbably enjoy this book.If I were not interested in the place of religion in the justification of slavery I would not have bought it. Upon reflection I can't say it was a good buy. Personal prejudice creeps in here. I don not believe that Noah ever existed; that there was ever a curse on poor Ham because he had sex with his mother; or that it would make any difference it this all took place. I am more interested in the effect these writings had on the populace of the time. If the reader's main interest is in the life of Noah or Ham this is probable a good buy.
