Publisher Description

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.

Author Biography

Conkin is distinguished professor of history at Vanderbilt University.

Table of Contents

ContentsPreface 1. Restoration Christianity: Christians and Disciples 2. Humanistic Christianity: Unitarians and Universalists 3. Apocalyptic Christianity: Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses 4. Mormon Christianity: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5. Spiritual Christianity: Christian Science and Unity 6. Ecstatic Christianity: The Holiness and Pentecostal Movements Afterword Index

Review

[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" YUp to date and useful."Catholic Historical Review" YThe most comprehensive and insightful study of its kind on the market."Journal of Church and State" YIts greatest value will be found in Conkins integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. "Georgia Historical Quarterly" YExplains so much about the foundations of our religious thinking and behavior that Americans ought to read it."Seventeenth-Century News" Helpful for all readers who need a nonbiased account on these groups that are sometimes misrepresented in the public arena."Library Journal" [T]he most comprehensive and insightful study of its kind on the market."Journal of Church and State" [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" [I]ts greatest value will be found in Conkina[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 Conkin s integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. "Georgia Historical Quarterly"

Long Description

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

Review Quote

[U]p to date and useful. Catholic Historical Review

Promotional "Headline"

"With great skill, Paul Conkin . . . plows this fertile soil of religious novelty in America. . . . His careful 'reading guides' . . . are up to date and useful."-- Catholic Historical Review

Details