The Kingdom of Matthias: A Story of Sex and Salvation in 19th Century America

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1994

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue

Part 1, Introduction

Part 1, Sections 1-3

Part 1, Sections 4-7

Part 2, Introduction

Part 2, Sections, 1-4

Part 2, Sections 5-7

Part 3, Sections 1-3

Part 3, Sections 4-6

Part 4, Sections 1-4

Part 4, Sections 5-8

Epilogue

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Explain the story of the Prophet Matthias in the context of religious revivalism. What impact did the Second Great Awakening and social reform movements have on Matthews?

How did Elijah Pierson become one of the first members of Matthews's cult? Explain why was he both a likely and unlikely candidate.

Discuss the factors that the authors identify as the driving forces behind Matthews’s misogyny.