Jamaica, Queens, New York 11439

 

Abstract for Panel: Catholics in American History: Perspectives on the Founding

Paper 2: “Orestes Brownson’s Account of the Founding of the American Republic”

Scott McDermott, Vanderbilt University Library

 

Orestes Brownson’s doubts about the social contract theory expressed in America’s founding documents have been cited by some Catholic scholars against the legitimacy of the American Republic.  Did Brownson reject the American experiment as an atheistic usurpation of legitimate authority—and if so, was he justified?   This paper will address these questions, considering Brownson’s critique of democracy in The American Republic in the context of his other writings.