BS, Kent State University, 2008, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of History
During the uneasy years predating the American Civil War, self-proclaimed
prophets and messengers of God traveled the frontier proclaiming their interpretations of
truth as revealed through Protestant Christianity. As they attempted to convert the nation,
they conceived American utopias which, constructed within a sacred history of
Christianity, played an important role in redefining the religion in North America. As
part of the process of establishing these utopias, individuals interested in the conversion
of society utilized and revised the “New Haven” theology of Yale College, from which
would emerge a reconstructed concept of “sanctification” in Oberlin, Ohio. These
individuals would use this theology to form the basis for their attempts to reform society,
applying religious meaning to social action.
In Lorain County, Ohio, we can observe these changes in religious thought and
practice as numerous “religious virtuosi” carried out social action which they considered
to be bound to a sacred history. In tandem with social action would come ecclesiastical
conflict, tearing the New England Plan of Union asunder. This thesis is interested in how
reformers' attempts to create heaven on earth would result in conflict highlighted by a
series of events which would ultimately change the religious landscape of the county as it
contributed to and reflected the changing face of religion in America.
Committee: David Odell-Scott PhD (Advisor); Guy E. Wells PhD (Advisor); Leonne Hudson PhD (Committee Member); Leslie Heaphy PhD (Committee Member)
Subjects: American History; History; Religious History