About the book
Personal reinvention is a core part of the human condition. Yet in the mid-twentieth century, certain private religious choices became lightning rods for public outrage and debate.
Public Confessions reveals the controversial religious conversions that shaped modern America. Rebecca L. Davis explains why the new faiths of notable figures including Clare Boothe Luce, Whittaker Chambers, Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, Chuck Colson, and others riveted the American public. Unconventional religious choices charted new ways of declaring an “authentic” identity amid escalating Cold War fears of brainwashing and coercion. Facing pressure to celebrate a specific vision of Americanism, these converts variously attracted and repelled members of the American public. Whether the act of changing religions was viewed as selfish, reckless, or even unpatriotic, it provoked controversies that ultimately transformed American politics.
Public Confessions takes intimate history to its widest relevance, and in so doing, makes you see yourself in both the private and public stories it tells.
Editions of Public Confessions
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469664873
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469677415
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469664897
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890862082
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469664880
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890862075
Read an Excerpt
Personal reinvention is a core part of the human condition. Yet in the mid-twentieth century, certain private religious choices became lightning rods for public outrage and debate.
Public Confessions reveals the controversial religious conversions that shaped modern America. Rebecca L. Davis explains why the new faiths of notable figures including Clare Boothe Luce, Whittaker Chambers, Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, Chuck Colson, and others riveted the American public. Unconventional religious choices charted new ways of declaring an “authentic” identity amid escalating Cold War fears of brainwashing and coercion. Facing pressure to celebrate a specific vision of Americanism, these converts variously attracted and repelled members of the American public. Whether the act of changing religions was viewed as selfish, reckless, or even unpatriotic, it provoked controversies that ultimately transformed American politics.
Public Confessions takes intimate history to its widest relevance, and in so doing, makes you see yourself in both the private and public stories it tells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Public Confessions about?
Personal reinvention is a core part of the human condition. Yet in the mid-twentieth century, certain private religious choices became lightning rods for public outrage and debate.
Public Confessions reveals the controversial religious conversions that shaped modern America. Rebecca L. Davis explains why the new faiths of notable figures including Clare Boothe Luce, Whittaker Chambers, Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, Chuck Colson, and others riveted the American public. Unconventional religious choices charted new ways of declaring an “authentic” identity amid escalating Cold War fears of brainwashing and coercion. Facing pressure to celebrate a specific vision of Americanism, these converts variously attracted and repelled members of the American public. Whether the act of changing religions was viewed as selfish, reckless, or even unpatriotic, it provoked controversies that ultimately transformed American politics.
Public Confessions takes intimate history to its widest relevance, and in so doing, makes you see yourself in both the private and public stories it tells.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Public Confessions?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Public Confessions?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469664873
How long is Public Confessions and how many pages does it have?
Public Confessions has 256 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Public Confessions?
Rebecca L. Davis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Public Confessions is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469664873) and paperback(ISBN 9781469677415) and ebook(ISBN 9781469664897) and ebook(ISBN 9798890862082) and ebook(ISBN 9781469664880) and pdf(ISBN 9798890862075)
Where can I buy Public Confessions online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Public Confessions from below
Where can I buy Public Confessions?