St. Louis is a city of many religions. From the region's first Native American inhabitants through centuries of immigration, enslavement, migration, and resettlement, the city is home to persons of faith from around the globe and to religious traditions, objects, and spaces that tell stories of beauty, triumph, persecution, trial, and promise. From the quiet sanctuary, to the fragrant temple, to the bustling corner of a city street, religion pulses through St. Louis in myriad ways. Arch City Religion is an ongoing project to bring many of these sounds, sights, and stories together for researchers, journalists, students, politicians, educators, and anyone interested in the religious life of the Arch City.
As a teaching project, Arch City Religion seeks not only to provide valuable information to researchers, students, journalists, and the public, but also to use the rich history and culture of St. Louis to think through the craft of research; to learn to distinguish information from impression; to analyze objects, rituals, and spaces for what is contained and for what is conveyed; and to exercise responsible communication about complex histories and practices of faith in St. Louis. Much of the website represents a portfolio of courses in Christian history, faith, and practice, but many pages work toward better reflecting the city's religious diversity, both within and beyond Christian traditions. Like any learning endeavor, it is a work in progress, but we invite you to share the journey with us. Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions on the Contact page.
This site is maintained by Rachel McBride Lindsey, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. Content is researched and composed by SLU undergraduate students.