About the book
Focusing on the intersection of Christianity and politics in the American penitentiary system, Jennifer Graber explores evangelical Protestants' efforts to make religion central to emerging practices and philosophies of prison discipline from the 1790s through the 1850s.
Initially, state and prison officials welcomed Protestant reformers' and ministers' recommendations, particularly their ideas about inmate suffering and redemption. Over time, however, officials proved less receptive to the reformers' activities, and inmates also opposed them. Ensuing debates between reformers, officials, and inmates revealed deep disagreements over religion’s place in prisons and in the wider public sphere as the separation of church and state took hold and the nation’s religious environment became more diverse and competitive. Examining the innovative New York prison system, Graber shows how Protestant reformers failed to realize their dreams of large-scale inmate conversion or of prisons that reflected their values. To keep a foothold in prisons, reformers were forced to relinquish their Protestant terminology and practices and instead to adopt secular ideas about American morals, virtues, and citizenship. Graber argues that, by revising their original understanding of prisoner suffering and redemption, reformers learned to see inmates' afflictions not as a necessary prelude to a sinner’s experience of grace but as the required punishment for breaking the new nation’s laws.
Editions of The Furnace of Affliction
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807834572
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469622255
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890884749
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893133974
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469603339
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807877838
Read an Excerpt
Focusing on the intersection of Christianity and politics in the American penitentiary system, Jennifer Graber explores evangelical Protestants' efforts to make religion central to emerging practices and philosophies of prison discipline from the 1790s through the 1850s.
Initially, state and prison officials welcomed Protestant reformers' and ministers' recommendations, particularly their ideas about inmate suffering and redemption. Over time, however, officials proved less receptive to the reformers' activities, and inmates also opposed them. Ensuing debates between reformers, officials, and inmates revealed deep disagreements over religion’s place in prisons and in the wider public sphere as the separation of church and state took hold and the nation’s religious environment became more diverse and competitive. Examining the innovative New York prison system, Graber shows how Protestant reformers failed to realize their dreams of large-scale inmate conversion or of prisons that reflected their values. To keep a foothold in prisons, reformers were forced to relinquish their Protestant terminology and practices and instead to adopt secular ideas about American morals, virtues, and citizenship. Graber argues that, by revising their original understanding of prisoner suffering and redemption, reformers learned to see inmates' afflictions not as a necessary prelude to a sinner’s experience of grace but as the required punishment for breaking the new nation’s laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Furnace of Affliction about?
Focusing on the intersection of Christianity and politics in the American penitentiary system, Jennifer Graber explores evangelical Protestants' efforts to make religion central to emerging practices and philosophies of prison discipline from the 1790s through the 1850s.
Initially, state and prison officials welcomed Protestant reformers' and ministers' recommendations, particularly their ideas about inmate suffering and redemption. Over time, however, officials proved less receptive to the reformers' activities, and inmates also opposed them. Ensuing debates between reformers, officials, and inmates revealed deep disagreements over religion’s place in prisons and in the wider public sphere as the separation of church and state took hold and the nation’s religious environment became more diverse and competitive. Examining the innovative New York prison system, Graber shows how Protestant reformers failed to realize their dreams of large-scale inmate conversion or of prisons that reflected their values. To keep a foothold in prisons, reformers were forced to relinquish their Protestant terminology and practices and instead to adopt secular ideas about American morals, virtues, and citizenship. Graber argues that, by revising their original understanding of prisoner suffering and redemption, reformers learned to see inmates' afflictions not as a necessary prelude to a sinner’s experience of grace but as the required punishment for breaking the new nation’s laws.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Furnace of Affliction?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Christianity > Christian life and practice
Where can I read a sample of The Furnace of Affliction?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807834572
How long is The Furnace of Affliction and how many pages does it have?
The Furnace of Affliction has 248 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Furnace of Affliction?
Jennifer Graber
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Furnace of Affliction is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807834572) and paperback(ISBN 9781469622255) and ebook(ISBN 9798890884749) and ebook(ISBN 9798893133974) and ebook(ISBN 9781469603339) and ebook(ISBN 9780807877838)
Where can I buy The Furnace of Affliction online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Furnace of Affliction?