As there is no screen or ceiling between our heads and the infinite heavens, so there is no bar or wall in the soul where we, the effect, cease, and God, the cause begins. Emerson's Oversoul has become a philosophical teaching as well as an Associative Religion, tracing its roots all the way back to the writings of Job, Moses, Plato, Socrates, Kant, Hagel, Eckhart, and Swedenborg. Be that as it may, Emerson felt that the social activities of religion were very beneficial to the well being and good feelings one achieves from attending such activities.
Oversoul religiosity is essentially a moral philosophy.
This philosophy embodies the very essence of American values and is taught in virtually every Western University of the free world. These concepts are usually taught in association with American Literature and the great American heritage. Many of the notables of history added their names to the long list of Americans who have embraced the concepts and teachings of Emerson. Such names as Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Bronson Alcott, Helen Keller, Frank Lloyd Wright, John Muir , and Johnny Appleseed are just a few. The literary efforts inspired the words given to such songs as The Battle Hymn of the Republic and America the Beautiful .