Stephen J Stein

Stephen J. Stein (1940-2022) was an American academic and educator whose scholarly contributions focused on the landscape of religion in the United States. He held the title of Chancellor's Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Indiana University Bloomington and previously served as President of the American Society of Church History. Stein's research delved into various facets of American religious life, with a particular emphasis on eighteenth-century religious thought, new religious movements, and specific groups like the Shakers and the theologian Jonathan Edwards.

His academic career was marked by significant publications and editorial work. Stein is especially recognized for his definitive study, "The Shaker Experience in America," which garnered the Philip Schaff prize. He also contributed extensively to the study of Jonathan Edwards, editing several volumes of his works. His research interests extended to religious diversity, dissenting communities, apocalyptic literature, and the First Amendment's religious clause. Stein's dedication to scholarship was acknowledged with numerous awards and fellowships throughout his career.

Stephen J. Stein dedicated his academic career to the study of religious history in the United States, holding a distinguished position as Chancellor's Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. His scholarly output concentrated on eighteenth-century religious thought, the history of new religious movements, and the specific traditions of the Shakers and Jonathan Edwards. Stein's extensive research explored themes of religious diversity, dissenting religious communities, and the influence of apocalyptic literature within the American context. He also examined the implications of the First Amendment's religious clause, contributing to a broader understanding of religious freedom and practice in America.

Stein's most celebrated work is "The Shaker Experience in America: A History of the United Society of Believers" (1992), which is widely considered a definitive account of the Shaker movement. This book earned him the prestigious Philip Schaff prize from the American Society of Church History and was lauded for its thoroughness and revisionist perspective on earlier narratives. Beyond his work on the Shakers, Stein made significant contributions to the study of Jonathan Edwards, editing key volumes of his writings, including "Apocalyptic Writings" and "Notes on Scripture." He also authored "Alternative American Religions" and "Communities of Dissent: A History of Alternative Religions in America," further solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar of American religious history.

Throughout his career, Stephen J. Stein held influential leadership roles within academic societies. He served as President of the American Society of Church History from 1994 to 1995 and chaired the Religious Studies department at Indiana University. His scholarly achievements were recognized with numerous accolades, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and multiple distinguished teaching and faculty awards from Indiana University. He was also a co-editor for the "Religion in North America" series published by Indiana University Press and served on the National Advisory Board for The Joseph Smith Papers.