Intolerance toward Native American Religions

Settler colonialism was imbued with intolerance towards Indigenous peoples. In colonial North America brutal military force was applied to the subjection and conversion of Native Americans to Christianity. In the United States, that offense continued, joined with condemnations of Indian religious practice as savagery, or as no religion at all. The violence was legitimated by appeals to Christian scripture in which genocide was commanded by God. Forced conversion to Christianity and the outlawing of Native religious practices were central aspects of white intolerance.

Anti-Semitism

This chapter highlights the prominent role that religion has played in nineteenth and twentieth century anti-Semitism. The diverse primary sources, ranging from photos and political cartoons to religious texts and newspaper articles, focus on five central moments in this history—nineteenth century Christian texts, the Leo Frank Case, the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion, the “Summer of Hate” (1999), and Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. These documents help readers examine the ways Christian theology and, more recently, that of white supremacist religious groups, has fomented anti-Semitism in the United States.

The Branch Davidians and Waco

The chapter examines the how and why of the events that led to a fifty-one day siege and ended with the deaths of over seventy Branch Davidians in April 1993. The primary sources demonstrate how the Branch Davidians were constructed as a dangerous “cult,” the ways federal law enforcement relied on this stereotype, the resulting misunderstandings that occurred in the negotiations as a result of this stereotype, and the deadly consequences. The primary sources, including media portrayals, FBI negotiation transcripts, and Koresh’s writings, provide readers with opportunities to explore the tragic results of utilizing the “cult” stereotype. The chapter ends with various perspectives on why Waco happened.

Anti-Mormonism

Violent opposition to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emerged shortly after the coalescence of the group in the early 1830s. Mormons were subjected to intolerance everywhere they settled. Local, state, and territorial governments were opposed to them in varying degree. After founder Joseph Smith was murdered in Illinois many Mormons migrated westward. Their practice of polygamy brought them continued criticism during the nineteenth century. Intolerance of Mormons was punctuated by numerous instances of organized violence against them.

Intolerance toward “New” Religions in the Twentieth Century

This chapter examines the power of the “cult” stereotype and how it is used against minority religious groups rhetorically, legally, and, in some cases, violently. The primary sources, ranging from internet hoaxes and jokes to FBI memos and city ordinances, demonstrate the ways that technology, law enforcement, and laws are embroiled in the spread and enactment of religious intolerance against minority religious groups. Readers explore the “cult” stereotype and these patterns through a series of case studies, including Unificationism, Wicca, Heaven’s Gate, the Nation of Islam, and Santería.

Wedding Cakes and White Supremacy

This chapter examines recent instances of religious intolerance, including the shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, white supremacy and the Unite the Right rally, and conservative Christians using freedom of religion arguments to defend anti-LGBTQ actions. These case studies demonstrate how religious intolerance is changing to include more issues and groups and adapting to new technologies. These examples also showcase some of the continuing patterns that characterize religious intolerance. The chapter challenges us to reconsider the myths of American religious history and to remember that tolerance is not the same as freedom or equality. We must continue the hard work of democracy.

Anti-Catholicism

Protestant settlers continued in North America their intolerance of Catholics. The colonies legislated against Catholics and during the nineteenth century, as the Catholic population grew rapidly, violence between Protestants and Catholics broke out more frequently. Armed Protestant militias and mobs attacked Catholics in cities, taking life and destroying property. Protestant organizations such as the American Protective Association arose to seek disenfranchisement of Catholics and to limit their growth and power. That effort was carried forward by the Ku Klux Klan. The Catholic clergy came under particular criticism, as was the case in Europe.

Introduction

The introduction orients the reader to the study of religious intolerance and America. It recounts the ways religious intolerance has been diminished or erased from U.S. religious history textbooks and narratives, despite evidence to the contrary. It also examines definitions of religious intolerance, as well as its relationship to religious violence. Lastly, it also explains the organization and purpose of the book for readers.

Religious Intolerance in Colonial America

Europeans who settled North America brought with them deep-seated religious prejudices and a history of violence between rival religious groups. They enacted law that enforced religious orthodoxy and punished those who strayed from it. They excluded religious competitors from their localities. Those actions were ideologically bolstered by claims to special religious status in a Christian ordering of the world, and by interpretation of Christian scripture that legitimated violence against their opponents.

Intolerance toward Nineteenth-Century Religious Groups

Intolerance of a wide range of religious groups in the nineteenth century often was marked by violence. Targets included Shakers, African American religious communities, Methodists, Millerites/Adventists, and the Church of Christ, Scientist. Such groups typically were outside of a middle-class, historically well-established white Protestant denominational family in America. Mob violence against such groups occurred repeatedly. State constitutions prohibited non-believers from holding public office.