Wow! eBook
Turning Points in American Church History: How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith
Author(s): Elesha J. Coffman (Author)
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Publication Date: January 30, 2024
- Language: English
- Print length: 304 pages
- ISBN-10: 0801097495
- ISBN-13: 9780801097492
Book Description
American history has profoundly shaped, and been shaped by, Christianity. This engaging introduction provides a brisk and lively yet deeply researched survey of these intertwined forces from the colonial period to the present.
Elesha Coffman tells the story of Christianity in the United States by focusing on 13 key events over four centuries of history. The turning points are as varied as the movements they track, including a naval battle, a revival, a schism, a court case, an outpouring of the Spirit, an act of terrorism, the election of a bishop, and the election of a president. Coffman highlights women and men from a range of traditions and shows how, throughout these events, Christians endeavored to discern what it meant to live faithfully in the diverse and rapidly changing place that became the United States.
This book helps readers understand their own faith and the landscape of American religion. Each chapter includes a hymn, a prayer, relevant historical images, excerpts from primary sources, and resources for further reading. Foreword by Mark A. Noll.
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
American history has profoundly shaped, and been shaped by, Christianity. This book provides a brisk and lively yet deeply researched survey of these intertwined forces from the colonial period to the present.
“A gem of a book. Christians and non-Christians, scholars and novices, college and seminary students, church groups and armchair readers will all find the book illuminating, accessible, and engaging.”
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“More than a dozen academic surveys of American church history grace the field, and each displays distinctive strengths. Yet Coffman’s volume offers the strongest overall combination of focus, clarity, research, conciseness, and wit. I would assign this work to virtually any seminary, university, or Christian formation class. A truly brilliant contribution.”
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“After reading this accessible work, Christian readers in America will better understand their own story, and those outside the faith and outside the nation may get a better idea of what all the fuss is about when it comes to American Christianity.”
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“If you are looking for a captivating introduction to the story of American Christianity, you would do well to start here. This sweeping, swiftly paced book brims with insights and is guaranteed to leave readers with much to ponder and debate.”
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“Smart, carefully constructed, and richly informative. Coffman asks us to think, consider, and then keep on asking good questions about what she aptly calls the ‘lumpy and angular’ story of American Christianity in all its diversity and depth.”
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“This surprisingly comprehensive series of historical highlights demonstrates the numerous yet profound and often unseen connections between religion, race, gender, and politics. A reliable guide and handy resource.”
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