Tocqueville, Religion, and Democracy in America: Some Essential Questions

Abstract

AbstractReligion played a central role in Tocqueville’s thinking and writing, and it was one of the major features of American society and culture as described by Tocqueville. This paper draws upon the working papers and text of his Democracy in America to revisit some of the key questions he asked about religion and to raise a few further questions that emerge from his responses. This paper also demonstrates how Tocqueville sometimes trimmed his opinions and arguments in order to appeal more effectively to his intended audience, the French reader.