A novel account of the relationship between sincerity, religious freedom, and the secular in the United States. “Sincerely held religious belief” is now a common phrase in discussions of American religious freedom, from opinions handed down by the US Supreme Court to local controversies. The “sincerity test” of religious belief has become a cornerstone of US jurisprudence, framing what counts as legitimate grounds for First Amendment claims in the eyes of the law. In Sincerely Held, Charles McCrary provides an original account of how sincerely held religious belief became the primary standard for determining what legally counts as authentic religion. McCrary skillfully traces the interlocking histories of American sincerity, religion, and secularism starting in the mid-nineteenth century. He analyzes a diverse archive, including Herman Melville’s novel The Confidence-Man, vice-suppressing police, Spiritualist women accused of being fortune-tellers, eclectic conscientious objectors, secularization theorists, Black revolutionaries, and anti-LGBTQ litigants. Across this history, McCrary reveals how sincerity and sincerely held religious belief developed as technologies of secular governance, determining what does and doesn’t entitle a person to receive protections from the state. This fresh analysis of secularism in the United States invites further reflection on the role of sincerity in public life and religious studies scholarship, asking why sincerity has come to matter so much in a supposedly “post-truth” era.

Introduction: crisis of certainty -- Cotton guesses -- The daily "probabilities"--Weather prophecies -- Economies of the future -- Promises of love and money -- Epilogue: specters of uncertainty

The social and financial problems of class-ridden Victorian England are depicted vividly, and against this background the romance of Egremont, an aristocrat, and Sybil, the daughter of a poor Chartist leader, develops.

Sybil by Benjamin Disraeli: Explore the social and political landscape of 19th-century England in Benjamin Disraeli's novel "Sybil." This work delves into the issues of class conflict, industrialization, and political reform through the experiences of its titular character, Sybil Gerard. Key Aspects of the Book "Sybil": Social Commentary: Disraeli's novel offers a critical examination of the social disparities and injustices of his time, shedding light on the plight of the working class. Political Engagement: "Sybil" explores the role of politics and reform movements in addressing the challenges faced by society's marginalized members. Character Development: The narrative follows Sybil's personal and political evolution, making her a compelling protagonist in a story that mirrors the societal changes of the era. Benjamin Disraeli, born in England in 1804, was a statesman and novelist. He served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on two occasions and was known for his contributions to political and social reform. "Sybil" reflects his commitment to addressing the pressing issues of his time through literature.