Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School
Faith at the Founding: Religion and the American Revolution
29 minutes Posted Jun 30, 2026 at 4:32 pm.
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Show notes
What did religion actually look like in America in 1776? In this episode of Harvard Religion Beat, host Jonathan Beasley speaks with Harvard Divinity School professor Catherine Brekus about the role of faith in Revolutionary America—from Sunday worship and the influence of ministers to the experiences of women, enslaved people, and Indigenous communities. Brekus also explores how religion shaped the American Revolution, what life was like at Harvard during the founding era, and why this history continues to inform conversations about religion and public life today.
Show Notes
Produced and hosted by Jonathan Beasley
Edited by Tyler Sprouse
Logo art direction by Kristie Welsh
Intro/Outro music: "Shape Of Hope"; Publishers: Abbey Road Masters; Universal Production Music
Ad break music: "Atmospheres"; Publishers: Aurora; Universal Production Music
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