Ministers and Masters
Methodism, Manhood, and Honor in the Old South
By Charity R. Carney | Publisher: LSU Press
About the book
In Ministers and Masters Charity R. Carney presents a thorough account of the way in which Methodist preachers constructed their own concept of masculinity within -- and at times in defiance of -- the constraints of southern honor culture of the early nineteenth century. By focusing on this unique subgroup of southern men, the book explores often-debated concepts like southern honor and patriarchy in a new way.
Carney analyzes Methodist preachers both involved with and separate from mainstream southern society, and notes whether they served as itinerants -- venturing into rural towns -- or remained in city churches to witness to an urban population. Either way, they looked, spoke, and acted like outsiders, refusing to drink, swear, dance, duel, or even dress like other white southern men. Creating a separate space in which to minister to southern men, women, and children, oftentimes converting a dancehall floor into a pulpit, they raised the ire of non- Methodists around them. Carney shows how understanding these distinct and often defiant stances provides an invaluable window into antebellum society and also the variety of masculinity standards within that culture.
In Ministers and Masters, Carney uses ministers' stories to elucidate notions of secular sinfulness and heroic Methodist leadership, explores contradictory ideas of spiritual equality and racial hierarchy, and builds a complex narrative that shows how numerous ministers both rejected and adopted concepts of southern mastery. Torn between convention and conviction, Methodist preachers created one of the many \"Souths\" that existed in the nineteenth century and added another dimension to the well-documented culture of antebellum society.
Editions of Ministers and Masters
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807138861
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807138885
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807138892
- PDF
- ISBN 9780807138878
Read an Excerpt
In Ministers and Masters Charity R. Carney presents a thorough account of the way in which Methodist preachers constructed their own concept of masculinity within -- and at times in defiance of -- the constraints of southern honor culture of the early nineteenth century. By focusing on this unique subgroup of southern men, the book explores often-debated concepts like southern honor and patriarchy in a new way.
Carney analyzes Methodist preachers both involved with and separate from mainstream southern society, and notes whether they served as itinerants -- venturing into rural towns -- or remained in city churches to witness to an urban population. Either way, they looked, spoke, and acted like outsiders, refusing to drink, swear, dance, duel, or even dress like other white southern men. Creating a separate space in which to minister to southern men, women, and children, oftentimes converting a dancehall floor into a pulpit, they raised the ire of non- Methodists around them. Carney shows how understanding these distinct and often defiant stances provides an invaluable window into antebellum society and also the variety of masculinity standards within that culture.
In Ministers and Masters, Carney uses ministers' stories to elucidate notions of secular sinfulness and heroic Methodist leadership, explores contradictory ideas of spiritual equality and racial hierarchy, and builds a complex narrative that shows how numerous ministers both rejected and adopted concepts of southern mastery. Torn between convention and conviction, Methodist preachers created one of the many \"Souths\" that existed in the nineteenth century and added another dimension to the well-documented culture of antebellum society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ministers and Masters about?
In Ministers and Masters Charity R. Carney presents a thorough account of the way in which Methodist preachers constructed their own concept of masculinity within -- and at times in defiance of -- the constraints of southern honor culture of the early nineteenth century. By focusing on this unique subgroup of southern men, the book explores often-debated concepts like southern honor and patriarchy in a new way.
Carney analyzes Methodist preachers both involved with and separate from mainstream southern society, and notes whether they served as itinerants -- venturing into rural towns -- or remained in city churches to witness to an urban population. Either way, they looked, spoke, and acted like outsiders, refusing to drink, swear, dance, duel, or even dress like other white southern men. Creating a separate space in which to minister to southern men, women, and children, oftentimes converting a dancehall floor into a pulpit, they raised the ire of non- Methodists around them. Carney shows how understanding these distinct and often defiant stances provides an invaluable window into antebellum society and also the variety of masculinity standards within that culture.
In Ministers and Masters, Carney uses ministers' stories to elucidate notions of secular sinfulness and heroic Methodist leadership, explores contradictory ideas of spiritual equality and racial hierarchy, and builds a complex narrative that shows how numerous ministers both rejected and adopted concepts of southern mastery. Torn between convention and conviction, Methodist preachers created one of the many \"Souths\" that existed in the nineteenth century and added another dimension to the well-documented culture of antebellum society.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Ministers and Masters?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Ministers and Masters?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807138861
How long is Ministers and Masters and how many pages does it have?
Ministers and Masters has 200 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Ministers and Masters?
Charity R. Carney
Who is the Publisher of the book Ministers and Masters?
LSU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Ministers and Masters is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807138861) and ebook(ISBN 9780807138885) and ebook(ISBN 9780807138892) and pdf(ISBN 9780807138878)
Where can I buy Ministers and Masters online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Ministers and Masters from below
Where can I buy Ministers and Masters?