This short book explores the complicated relationship between Protestants and American conservatism from colonial times to the recent past. It connects the dots in an accessible way that sheds new light on the Religious Right that has garnered public attention since the 1980s.
Focusing on the life and influence of Reverend Phillips Brooks, this insightful examination situates his religious thought within the historical and cultural frameworks of Gilded Age America. It explores the inspirations behind his work, including his famous Christmas carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." By providing a critical study of Brooks's contributions, the book offers a deeper understanding of his significance and the evolution of American Protestantism during a pivotal transitional period.