PBS’ ambitious new six-hour documentary details the complex relationship between religion and public life in America. Over three nights, it examines how the concept of religious liberty took root and played out across four centuries—from the Puritans’ landing through the post-1960s rise of the religious Right. Along the way, historians help bring to life the Great Awakening, the first wave of Irish Catholic immigration, Christian conflicts over slavery, the Cold War crusade against “godless communism,” and more. Monday–Wednesday, Oct. 11–13, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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