ABSTRACT
Ralph Waldo Emerson, who defined Transcendentalism for most of America in the nineteenth century, absolutely refused to consider the idea of church association once he left his own Unitarian pulpit. Many of the ideals and sentiments of Emerson’s exemplary Transcendentalist can be identified in the conversion stories of actual Transcendentalists, as their motivations for joining the Catholic Church. It seems clear that with respect to Catholic sacramental theology, Transcendental philosophy could serve as preparation for the convert. Sophia Ripley, like many Transcendentalists, never shared Emerson’s staunch cynicism about social works. Transcendentalist philosophy of inclusion and judgement of individuals based on their own merit led many in the movement to accept new relations to the old New England society. The strong antinomian, anti-authoritarian sentiments of Emerson’s lecture make it clear that his understanding of Transcendentalism is incompatible with the institutional and creedal arrangements of any church.
