Transcendental Heresies: Harvard and the Modern American Practice of Unbelief

Exploring the transformative impact of transcendentalism in 1830s and 1840s New England, David Faflik argues that this movement redefined religious sensibilities, blending belief and unbelief in innovative ways. Rather than being mere atheism, transcendentalism fostered a unique spiritual landscape that included diverse practices and ideologies. Drawing on extensive antebellum writings from key figures like Emerson and Thoreau, the book illustrates how this unconventional approach challenged traditional religious norms and promoted deeper spiritual inquiry.