Pilgrims in Their Own Land

Pilgrims in Their Own Land is Martin E. Marty's vivid chronological account of the people and events that carved the spiritual landscape of America. It is in one sense a study of migration, with each wave of immigrants bringing a set of religious beliefs to a new world. The narrative unfolds through sharply detailed biographical vignettes—stories of religious "pathfinders," including William Penn, Mary Baker Eddy, Henry David Thoreau, and many other leaders of movements, both marginal and mainstream. In addition, Marty considers the impact of religion on social issues such as racism, feminism, and utopianism.

And engrossing, highly readable, and comprehensive history, Pilgrims in Their Own Land is written with respect, appreciation, and insight into the multitude of religious groups that represent expressions of spirituality in America.

Preface
Acknowledgments
1. The First Migrants
2. A Crowned Cross
3. The Conqueror versus the Missionary
4. Holy Wars and Sacred Piracies
5. Establishing Colonies
6. Pilgrimages of Dissent
7. The End of the Catholic Missionary Road
8. A Matter of Choice
9. Three Revolutions
10. Into the West and the World
11. Beyond Existing Bounds
12. A Century of Exclusion
13. Adapting to America
14. Crises in the Protestant Empire
15. Healing the Restless
16. The Dream of One Kingdom
17. A Season of Conflicts
18. The American Ways of Life
19. Always a Horizon
20. New Paths for Old Pilgrimages
Suggested Reading
Index"It would be a good thing for America if this book were widely read and discussed."
—Los Angeles Times

"Marty weaves a fascinating tapestry of personal histories."
—The Washington Post

"Page for page, it is the most engaging one-volume history of American religion we now have."
—The New York Times Book Review

"An essential book for serious students of American society."
—Chicago Sun-Times Book Week

Martin Marty, one of today’s most respected theologians, is professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, where the Martin Marty Center has been founded to promote public religion endeavors. His more than fifty books include Modern American Religion. He is a winner of the National Book Award and was the first religion scholar to receive the National Humanities Medal.