Catholic Revivalism: The American Experience, 1830-1900 - Paperback

by Jay P. Dolan (Author)

Jay P. Dolan's Catholic Revivalism: The American Experience, 1830-1900 details the history of the Catholic Church in America by showing that revivalism, traditionally viewed as a Protestant phenomenon, was also a central feature of Catholic life and activity in the 19th century. To cope with the widespread social disorganization caused by large numbers of Catholic immigrants, the Church sponsored parish missions during which famous preachers gave a series of emotional sermons aimed at calling sinners back to their God and their Church. Dolan documents the extent of Catholic revivalism, its European roots, and its success in reaching the working class.

Author Biography

Jay P. Dolan is a professor emeritus of history. He was a member of the faculty at the University of Notre Dame for thirty-three years, 1971-2004. He also taught at the University of San Francisco, the University of Chicago, University College, Cork, Ireland, and Boston College. While at Notre Dame, he founded the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism in 1975 and was the director of the Center until 1993. His most recent work is The Irish Americans: A History (2008).