480 - The Republic of Many Mansions: Foundations of American Religious Thought

The Republic of Many Mansions: Foundations of American Religious Thought

By Denise Lardner Carmody and John Tully Carmody

New York, Paragon House, 1990. 244 Pp. $22.95.

The focus of this volume is three ideas that Denise and John Carmody argue are at the foundation of American religious thought: the Puritan conception of human nature, the Enlightenment understanding of religious liberty, and the pragmatic conception of truth. In speculating about these ideas, the authors highlight the lives and beliefs of three representative figures: Jonathan Edwards, Thomas Jefferson, and William James. After discussing the origins and assumptions of these ideas, they suggest the consequences of each idea to the development of the mainstream of American religious thought.

An innovative contribution of this volume is what the authors call "Responses from the Margins." At the conclusion of each of the three parts, there is an evocative description and analysis of the contributions of marginalized groups, including Jews, Catholics, women, African Americans, Native Americans, and various Asian traditions. Included among the margins is one called the "sectarians," including Latter Day Saints, Pentecostals, and Christian Scientists.

The authors, both of whom are affiliated with the Religion Department at the University of Tulsa, have written more than forty books on topics ranging from biblical studies to world religions to history. Their combined strength is the ability to tease out the nub of the story in a way accessible to a wide audience. One may argue about selecting these three particular ideas, and not some others, for analysis, but the Carmodys set these ideas in their broadest context. By asking us to view these ideas "from the margins," the authors encourage us to wander far and wide over the American religious landscape.

The strength of this volume begins with its conception. The dialogue between the mainstream and the margins is most spirited in the section on human nature. It is not that Roman Catholics or Native Americans are debating Jonathan Edwards' particular treatment of original sin, but that the question of human nature is implicit, if not always explicit, in the development of various religious traditions in America. The Carmodys argue that we can best participate in a pluralistic culture when we appreciate the different ways traditions respond to basic religious ideas.

The challenge of this conception is to move beyond mainstream ethnocentrism and to see the religious or theological conversation in its broadest terms. The ultimate goal is to encourage dialogue between the mainstream and the margins.

482 - The Republic of Many Mansions: Foundations of American Religious Thought

In their conclusion, the Carmodys ask: What are the prospects of utilizing the fruits of these three traditions in a society that should honor both unity and plurality? Their reply is that "the prospects are not good, as long as one extrapolates present trends." Why is this? "The two main sources of American religious thought, the religious bodies and the universities, are producing little that is profound or beautiful." The religious bodies are "afraid to publish the demands, and the rewards, of living in intense communion with God." Those in the universities are to be praised for "their clear analysis," but they "seem equally afraid of personal commitment."

In recommending this book, I would encourage readers to indulge in a sneak preview of the conclusion. Unfortunately, the preface is so brief that we really do not learn who the book is for or what has spurred the authors to write this particular volume. In the conclusion, we catch the vision and feel the passion which can help launch us into reading this timely volume.

RONALD G. WHITE, JR.

Occidental College
Los Angeles, California