Emerson’S Writings

The Encyclopedia of Protestantism: Volume 2 D–K

The publication of Emerson’s first two books of essays was followed in 1850 by Representative Men, and by English Traits in 1856. Before his death in 1882, several more collections followed, including The Conduct of Life (1860) and Society and Solitude (1870). By mid-century, Emerson had acquired the status of an American cultural icon.

Through the popularization of his poems and essays, “the Sage of Concord” had become America’s representative philosopher. Emerson died on April 27, 1882.

Although Emerson did not participate actively in the affairs of the Unitarian church after the controversies of the 1830s, by the end of the century the views of the transcendentalist ministers had become part of a normative Unitarian outlook. On the other hand, mainline Protestant denominations have tended to ignore Emerson because of his abandonment of traditional theological forms, his preference for the languages of science and philosophy, and his conception of Jesus primarily as a moral exemplar. Nevertheless, his legacy fundamentally altered the cultural landscape within which American churches have developed.

See also Romanticism; Unitarian-Universalist Churches