Review by Choice Review
Schmidt (Washington Univ.) unearths the American roots of atheism by examining four notable 19th-century freethinkers, individuals whose ideas exposed the tensions inherent within an America that saw itself as simultaneously secular (politically) and Christian (culturally). Each of the individuals--Samuel Porter Putnam, Watson Heston, Charles B. Reynolds, and Elmina Drake Slenker--exemplifies a distinct path and paradigm for how freethinking created fissures within communities, and together these stories expose how the US's religious and political narratives became increasingly contradictory rather than complementary as new challenges emerged. The inclusion of Heston, an editorial cartoonist, provides a sense of the ongoing importance of visual rhetorics and media for the dissemination of ideas that challenge normative assumptions. In telling these stories Schmidt confirms his reputation for meticulous research and insightful presentation. Emphasizing the personal and the local, Village Atheists provides a deep and compelling engagement with figures and issues. Complementing Susan Jacoby's Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism (2004), Schmidt's rich, deep exploration of atheist thinkers in 19th-century America contextualizes questions pressing on American Christianity today. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers. --Daniel R. Boscaljon, independent scholar
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Despite widespread invocations of the separation of church and state in the United States, "the upper hand very much belongs to the God-affirming, not the God-denying, in American civic life," according to historian Schmidt (Heaven's Bride), who persuasively argues that the citizenship of atheists in America has been suspect from the colonial period and remains unresolved to the present day. The book offers biographical sketches of four exemplary "village atheist" types whose uneven fortunes are chronicled in a nuanced exploration of the lived reality of nonbelief in a nation of the faithful. Readers are introduced to Samuel Porter Putnam (1838-1896), a minister who wrestled with faith on his journey to secularism; Watson Heston (1846-1905), a political cartoonist whose anti-religious art enjoyed far more success than its creator; Charles B. Reynolds (1832-1896), whose experience as a revivalist preacher led to fiery notoriety on the secular lecture circuit; and finally Elmina Drake Slenker (1827-1908), whose atheist beliefs combined with her sexual radicalism brought her to the attention of moral crusader Anthony Comstock. Schmidt, a historian of religion, approaches his subject with the confidence of an expert well-grounded in his sources. He's sensitive to the intersection of secular identity with the politics of race, class, and gender. Framed by a robust introduction and conclusion that provide a pre- and post-history of 19th-century atheism, this well-written and lively text will be of interest to both scholars and more general readers with an interest in American irreligion. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Review by Library Journal Review
The village atheist moniker took hold in the late 19th century, recognizing individuals expressing disbelief in highly moralistic, nonsecular communities. It was a stance that endured community-wide ostracism as the nonbeliever became the lone infidel, often considered a blasphemer. Historian Schmidt (religion & politics, Washington Univ. in St. Louis; Restless Souls) explores this fascinating history of freethinkers, secularists, humanists, agnostics, or simply, village atheists, in his latest book through biographical sketches of four pivotal figures who have paved the way for others today. From Samuel Porter Putnam, raised as a Congregationalist only to become swayed by John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress (1678), to the much publicized obscenity case of Elmina D. Slenker, a freethinker who was tried for composing and sending sensitive marital advice through the mail, Schmidt highlights their struggles with the community and the law. The author also devotes a chapter to Seventh-day Adventist-turned-secular lecturer Charles B. Reynolds, who was eventually tried for blasphemy as well as the Missouri cartoonist Watson Heston, whose chapter is filled with Heston's distinct sociopolitical illustrations that enraged audiences upon publication. -VERDICT Schmidt offers an entertaining yet educational read for those interested in America's secular history and the struggles many faced to become vocal freethinkers without persecution.-Angela Forret, Clive P.L., IA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
