Religion and politics mix goes back to Revolution

If there seems to be a lot of religion in politics this electoral season, at least it has a long history.

Vanderbilt University’s James Byrd, an assistant professor of American religious history, says the American Revolution was fueled by a new rhetorical style that came straight from the revivals of the first Great Awakening.

In a Thursday lecture at the Divinity School, Byrd talked about the influence of colonial-era preachers like George Whitefield, who inspired thousands with his showman-like presentations in fields and public squares.

“It was said he could reduce an audience to tears simply by pronouncing the word ‘Mesopotamia,'” Byrd said.

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