Frontier Faiths: Church, Temple, and Synagogue in Los Angeles, 1846-1888

By Michael E. Engh

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826313434
• ISBN13: 9780826313430
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Univ of New Mexico Pr
• Length: 267 Pages
• Weight: 2.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

An Interesting Discussion of Religious Diversity in LA

Between 1850 and 1890 the city of Los Angeles grew from about 1,500 to near 50,000 residents. Such striking population growth in such a compressed period brought radical dislocations in local politics, economics, society, and religion. "Frontier Faiths" analyzes the transformation of Los Angeles' religious life during that period--although some aspects of the political, economic, and social atmosphere are also illuminated. Michael E Engh, S.J., in the faculty at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, has produced a useful monograph on the evolving interrelationships of the denominations in the area. It adds significantly to the understanding of the manner in which culturally diverse groups cooperated--and competed--when thrown together after dislocations brought on by military conquest and political annexation.Engh's central themes revolve around how the religious community contributed to the creation of a unique urban culture. He notes that before the Treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo Mexico recognized only Roman Catholicism as a legitimate religion. Suddenly, with annexation support of state religion was abolished and replaced with religious toleration. Over time, largely because of migration to the city, Protestantism became the dominant religion. He traces this evolution in detail. Additionally, with strong sections on the Jewish and Chinese contributions to this development, Engh concludes with a discussion of the fall of Catholic culture and the rise of religious and ethnic diversity in Los Angeles."Frontier Faiths" is a useful case study in comparative American religion and how it helped to shape American society one area. It is one of several refreshing books to appear recently on the development of American religion. It should be of use to specialists interested in the development of American religion and culture during the nineteenth century.