Overview

In a work of striking breadth and clarity, Paul Conkin offers an even-handed and in-depth look at the major American-made forms of Christianity--a diverse group of religious traditions, each of which reflects a significant break from western Christian orthodoxy. Identifying six distinctive types, Conkin examines the major denominations representative of each original variety of American Christianity: restoration (Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ); humanistic (Unitarians, Universalists); apocalyptic (Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses); Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); spiritual (Christian Science, Unity); and ecstatic (Holiness and Pentecostal denominations). Focusing on the early years and maturation of these groups, he discusses their founders and leaders, origins and Old World roots, and essential doctrines and practices. Conkin closes each chapter with a guide to further reading. The first comprehensive survey of these American originals, this book will serve as a valuable resource on a number of religious traditions whose members not only comprise a significant percentage of the American population but also make up an increasing proportion of Christian converts worldwide.

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9780807846490

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Reviews

[I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkin 's integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. <p> Georgia Historical Quarterly

[I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkin s integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. Georgia Historical Quarterly [I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkin 's integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. Georgia Historical Quarterly [I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkin_s integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. Georgia Historical Quarterly [I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkina[s integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. Georgia Historical Quarterly Helpful for all readers who need a nonbiased account on these groups that are sometimes misrepresented in the public arena. Library Journal [I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkins integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. Georgia Historical Quarterly [E]xplains so much about the foundations of our religious thinking and behavior that Americans ought to read it. Seventeenth-Century News [T]he most comprehensive and insightful study of its kind on the market. Journal of Church and State E xplains so much about the foundations of our religious thinking and behavior that Americans ought to read it. Seventeenth-Century News U p to date and useful. Catholic Historical Review I ts greatest value will be found in Conkins integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. Georgia Historical Quarterly T he most comprehensive and insightful study of its kind on the market. Journal of Church and State [U]p to date and useful. Catholic Historical Review [I]ts greatest value will be found in ConkinUs integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. Georgia Historical Quarterly

[I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkin_s integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. <p> Georgia Historical Quarterly

Author Information

Paul K. Conkin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Vanderbilt University, is the author of numerous books, including The Southern Agrarians and When All the Gods Trembled: Darwinism, Scopes, and American Intellectuals.

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