This edited collection of exciting new scholarship provides comprehensive coverage of the broad sweep of twentieth century religious activism on the American left. The volume covers a diversity of perspectives, including Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish history, and important essays on African-American, Latino, and women's spirituality. Taken together, these essays offer a comparative and long-term perspective on religious groups and social movements often studied in isolation, and fully integrate faith-based action into the history of progressive social movements and politics in the modern United States. It becomes clear that throughout the twentieth century, religious faith has served as a powerful motivator and generator for activism, not just as on the right, where observers regularly link religion and politics, but on the left. This volume will appeal to historians of modern American politics, religion, and social movements, religious studies scholars, and contemporary activists.
"All articles are clearly written and break new ground. Most are steeped in primary sources. This volume is one good place for historians of the religious left to begin." (Justus D. Doenecke, Anglican and Episcopal History, Vol. 89 (3), September, 2020)
"These essays present a bold and refreshing way of examining social reform. ? The collection presents many voices, movements, issues, and perspectives that have long been ignored or shunted to the side in the historical narrative. ? Book is highly recommended for scholars and graduate students engaged in the study of religion and social change in America." (A. J. Scopino, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 46 (1), March, 2020)
"The editors' work is ultimately an invitation for scholars to pick up on the insights of these well-written essays and integrate them into their teaching and research. The breadth and depth of the collection certainly makes it a valuable resource for historians of every field." (Christopher D. Cantwell, The Journal of American History, Vol. 106 (3), December, 2019)
"If you're as depressed and despairing as I have been feeling lately, this is a good book to read. ?it will remind you of the long arc of history which doesn't necessarily always bend towards justice, but can be bent that way by those imbued with vision, passion, and organizing skills. ? Each essay is carefully crafted, succinct, well researched, and thoughtfully argued." (Paul Harvey, Reading Religion, readingreligion.org, August, 2018)
"The Religious Left in Modern America: Doorkeepers of a Radical Faith aim to set the record straight, challenging misconceptions about American religion, radicalism, and culture. ? The Religious Left in Modern America have done a great service by opening up an overdue conversation about the interplay of religion and radicalism." (Vaneesa Cook, s-usih.org, October, 2018)
