Richard Boles

Author of "Dividing the Faith: The Rise of Segregated Churches in the Early American North" and Co-Author of "The Blackwell Companion to American Religious History"

January 10, 2022

Richard Boles specializes in early North American and United States history, particularly African American and Native American history from the colonial era to the middle of the nineteenth century, and American religious history. Boles researches race relations in northeastern Protestant churches from 1730 to 1850. 

About "Dividing the Faith: The Rise of Segregated Churches in the Early American North"

Phillis Wheatley was stolen from her family in Senegambia, and in 1761, slave traders transported her to Boston, Massachusetts, to be sold. She was purchased by the Wheatley family, who treated Phillis far better than most eighteenth-century slaves could hope. She was baptized and became a member of a predominantly white Congregational church in Boston, and some of her poetry was published in London, England, as a book. Wheatley remains the most famous Black Christian of the colonial era. Though her experiences and accomplishments were unique, her religious affiliation with a predominantly white church was quite ordinary. "Dividing the Faith" argues that a significant portion of northern Protestants worshipped in interracial contexts during the eighteenth century. Yet fifty years later, churches were by-and-large segregated. Richard Boles scrutinize the factors that made different Christian traditions either accessible or inaccessible to African American and American Indian peoples. By including Native Americans, Afro-Indians, and Black people in the study of race and religion in the North, this research breaks new ground and uses church participation patterns to illuminate broader social histories. Overall, it explains the dynamic history of racial integration and segregation in northern colonies and states.

About "The Blackwell Companion to American Religious History"

"The Blackwell Companion to American Religious History" explores the key events, significant themes, and important movements in various religious traditions throughout the nation’s history from pre-colonization to the present day. Original essays written by leading scholars and new voices in the field discuss how religion in America has transformed over the years, explore its many expressions and meanings, and consider religion’s central role in American life.

URL: https://library-dep.okstate.edu/news/celebratingbooks/2022-honorees/richard-boles

Last Updated: 7 February 2022