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The Influence of the American Tract Society on American Religious Life

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FIVE YEARS IN THE ALLEGHANIES: PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY

by Peter Pomerantsev

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	387 KB
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Print length	:	104 pages

The American Tract Society (ATS) was a major force in shaping American religious life in the 19th century. Founded in 1825, the ATS was a non-denominational organization that sought to distribute religious tracts throughout the United States. By the end of the century, the ATS had distributed over 100 million tracts, which played a major role in the spread of evangelical Christianity in America.

The Founding of the American Tract Society

The ATS was founded in New York City by a group of evangelical Christians who were concerned about the lack of religious literature in the United States. At the time, there were few Bibles and other Christian books available, and many people were unable to read them even if they could be found. The founders of the ATS believed that tracts could provide a simple and affordable way to share the gospel with people who were not familiar with Christianity.

The ATS's first tract was published in 1825, and it quickly became a popular way to share the gospel. Tracts were typically small, inexpensive booklets that contained a simple message about the Christian faith. They were often written in a clear and concise style, and they were easy to read and understand. Tracts were also often illustrated with images, which made them appealing to people of all ages.

The Impact of the American Tract Society

The ATS had a profound impact on American religious life in the 19th century. By distributing millions of tracts, the ATS helped to spread the gospel to people who would not have otherwise heard it. Tracts were used by missionaries to reach Native Americans and other non-Christian groups. They were also used by Sunday school teachers to teach children about the Christian faith. And they were used by ordinary Christians to share their faith with friends and neighbors.

The ATS also played a major role in the development of evangelical Christianity in America. Tracts helped to popularize evangelical beliefs, such as the importance of personal conversion, the authority of the Bible, and the need for evangelism. Tracts also helped to unite evangelical Christians from different denominations. The ATS was a major supporter of the American Bible Society, and it helped to distribute Bibles to people who could not afford to buy them.

The Legacy of the American Tract Society

The ATS continues to be a major force in American religious life today. The society has distributed over 1 billion tracts since its founding, and it continues to publish new tracts on a regular basis. The ATS also operates a number of other programs, such as a book publishing division and a website that offers free resources for Christians.

The ATS has had a lasting impact on American religious life. The society's tracts have helped to spread the gospel to millions of people, and they have played a major role in the development of evangelical Christianity in America. The ATS continues to be a vital resource for Christians today, and it is likely to continue to play a major role in American religious life for many years to come.

Additional Information

The ATS's headquarters are located in Wheaton, Illinois.
The ATS is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
The ATS's website is www.american tract.org.

The American Tract Society was a major force in shaping American religious life in the 19th century. The society's tracts played a major role in the spread of evangelical Christianity in America, and they continue to be a valuable resource for Christians today.

FIVE YEARS IN THE ALLEGHANIES: PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY

by Peter Pomerantsev

4 out of 5