The story of America is the story of the struggle to expand human freedom.
Join the Shockoe Institute for a powerful conversation with author Jerome E. Copulsky as we explore his new book American Heretics: Religious Adversaries to Liberal Order, a bold examination of prominent theologians who rejected the idea of a pluralistic, democratic America. Copulsky invites us to consider how these ideas, seemingly at odds with our founding principles, nevertheless shaped, and still shape, American life.
In this live event, we will delve into how ideas about race and slavery intersected with the anti-democratic principles promoted by these American Heretics —and the surprising, yet enduring impact of those ideas on our society.
This conversation is a part of the Shockoe Institute’s ongoing commitment to exploring our shared history in an effort to inspire learning, reflection, and action.
Following the program, guests are invited to meet the author for a book signing and photo opportunity just outside the theater.
American Heretics will be available for purchase at the event
The Shockoe Institute Presents Religion, Race, and the Enduring Impact of Proslavery Thought in America
Stay in touch to learn more about our upcoming events.
A preview of the Shockoe Institute
Please join us for a preview of the 2025 opening of the Shockoe Institute, dedicated to revealing the enduring impact of American slavery on our shared American experience.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
9:00am - 3:00pm
1st floor Lower Train Shed Main Street Station
Signage will direct you to the North entrance
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn of the Institute’s plans for its space within Richmond’s historic Main Street Station as well as our collaborations with scholars and community partners as we steward the Mellon Foundation’s unprecedented investment in Richmond’s cultural landscape.
We hope you will join us for a first-look into the Shockoe Institute’s plans to showcase Richmond’s central role in the story of America: the story of the struggle to expand human freedom.