Through the voice of Thomas Nashe in "The Unfortunate Traveller," published in 1594, it is possible to see another side of the historical conflict between splintering Anabaptist groups and the state-operated church which controlled voice and thus literacy and literature during the Renaissance. The Anabaptist movement, forerunner of the…

Presents an essay dealing with two nineteenth-century incidents of religious intolerance. Recounts the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, who was murdered by opponents of the new religion. Explains how the writings of Presbyterian minister and newspaper publisher, Elijah Lovejoy, set off a response that led to his death. (SG)

Argues that changes in the form and frequency of preaching in England between 1534 and 1559 were as much the result of political and ecclesiastical struggles as they were of formal developments in rhetorical or homiletical theory. (JMF)

Contends that, although Pilgrim leader John Robinson never traveled to North America, he personified the sense of purpose that held the pilgrimage together through trials, failures, and harassments. Discusses the history and issues of separatism during the development of the Puritan church in England and the Netherlands. (DK)

An appreciation of the religious milieu of the John Peter Zenger libel case of 1735 can help explain the nature of the Zenger defense as prepared by Alexander Hamilton, the meaning of the jury's verdict, and the ambiguous legacy of the trial for freedom of expression in the United States. In essence, the case was a disputation on "truth"…

Baptists' propensity for splitting apart arises from the faith's avowed love of theological argument. Gives an overview of Baptist denominations, and identifies the main issues that divide them: atonement, predestination, the nature and origins of good and evil, worship practices, church governance, gender issues, and other social and cultural…

Discusses historical conflicts among cultures within Canada, particularly within the East Indian community. Discusses the multicultural policy recently adopted through alterations in Canada's immigration laws. Explores the historical development of politics in India's Punjab, and the consequences of this development on East Indians living in…

In 1960 a teenage boy, Bill Murray, refused to participate in Bible reading, and the result was a series of court cases that culminated in the 1963 United States Supreme Court decision banning compulsory prayer in public schools. To gain insight into the dynamics of journalism practiced during controversy, a case study attempts to examine the…

Reports on the origins and importance of the "Three Doctrines Discussions" of the Chinese Tang dynasty (618-960). Shows how their evolution and decline parallel shifts in the balance of political power. Argues that these debates functioned rhetorically to enhance and legitimate the emperor's political power. (HB)

Describes fifteenth-century Spain's tendencies that proved central to the Columbian enterprise: experience as a conquering and colonizing kingdom, interest in Atlantic expansion, and missionary inclination. Argues that Columbus's arrival in Spain came at the perfect time in Spanish history. Stresses Spain's long history of religious war, conquest,…

In Cincinnati, Ohio, between 1836 and 1853, controversy over religious education resulted from religious, ethnic, and political factors. Debate began between Catholics (mostly German and Irish immigrants) and Protestants over which Bible should be used in the public schools. (It was accepted that daily Bible readings were to be a part of religious…

Traces history of European interaction with Islamic countries of Middle East from Crusades through World War I. Explains political expendiencies of war and resulting mandate system. Provides religious and political bases for Arab distrust of West. Concludes that no lasting peace is possible in area as long as Palestinian question is ignored. (DK)

Historically documents the life and education of Mary Antin from her suffering as a victim of anti-semitism in Russia to her freedom and acceptance in America. Discusses her literary publications which document her development and self-discovery. Explores her experiences as a Jew in early twentieth-century America. (JS)

Traces federal and missionary efforts to suppress peyote religion and Pueblo religious practices, 1888-1937. Describes Gertrude Bonnin's personal campaign against peyote and efforts by Smithsonian ethnologist James Mooney and Indian Affairs Commissioner James Collier to preserve Indian religious freedom. Lists state and federal laws against…

Designed as an introductory history, this book covers developments in the Balkan Peninsula from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Emphasis is placed on the process by which separate nationalities broke away from imperial rule, established independent states, and embarked on economic and social modernization. To establish perspective on the role…