Drafting the Past

Author: Kate Carpenter

Drafting the Past is a podcast devoted to the craft of writing history. Each episode features an interview with a historian about the joys and challenges of their work as a writer.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Arts, Books, History

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Episode 93: Matthew Avery Sutton Religiously Opposes the Block Quote
Episode 93
Monday, 30 March, 2026

Before we get to the episode, I need a favor: Will you take a minute to fill out this survey about Drafting the Past, and let me know what is and isn't working for you about the show? It will help me bring even better episodes to you. Thanks in advance for your help! In this episode, I'm happy to welcome historian of religion Dr. Matthew Avery Sutton. Matt's newest book is called Chosen Land: How Christianity Made America and Americans Remade Christianity, following the relationship between Christianity and the nation from the arrival of the first Europeans up to Donald Trump's second term in office. Matt is the author of three previous books, along with an edited collection and a documentary history, and he regularly writes about the history of Christianity in America for a general audience. We talked about how he thinks about all those different audiences and how he keeps writing so much despite many personal and professional responsibilities—including seven years as department chair. Mentioned in this episode: Matthew Avery Sutton, Chosen Land: How Christianity Made America and Americans Remade Christianity Matthew Avery Sutton, Double Crossed: The Missionaries Who Spied for the United States During the Second World War Matthew Avery Sutton, American Apocalypse: A History of Modern Evangelicalism Matthew Avery Sutton, Aimee Semple McPherson and the Resurrection of Christian America American Experience: Sister Aimee Jane Sherron De Hart, Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life Grant Wacker, Heaven Below: Early Pentecostals and American Culture David Hollinger Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft John le Carré Jill Lepore, These Truths: A History of the United States Matthew Avery Sutton, "The antichrist has long haunted American politics. Now it's rearing its head again," The Guardian Note that bookshop.org links are affiliate links that generate a small commission to support the show if you purchase books using these links.