John Clark on Alexis de Tocqueville and Catholicism in America

"In 1831, a French aristocrat named Alexis de Tocqueville was commissioned to travel to the United States of America and report back on its prison systems. Once he arrived, however, Tocqueville became broadly fascinated with the upstart nation. Spending nine months in the U.S., Tocqueville richly observed American people and America's political system. His observations were published in two volumes, in 1835 and 1840, titled Democracy in America. Many things intrigued Tocqueville about America, and one of those was the practice of the Catholic faith in early America. Tocqueville's insights ring true even today."

In a recent commentary, writer John Clark reflected on some of the insights de Tocqueville had about Catholics and life in 1840 America and on how this applies to us about life in 2023.

To access Mr. Clark's complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Commentaries: John Clark: Tocqueville and Catholicism in America (4 JUL 23