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Overview
In a brief, narrative survey, Balmer and Fitzmier trace the history of the Presbyterian tradition, from its roots in Europe to its manifestations in contemporary America. The six chapters cover the European origins of Presbyterianism; the growth of Presbyterianism in the Northern and Southern states during the nineteenth century; and the development of Presbyterianism in twentieth-century America. Concluding with a Chronology and Bibliographic Essay, this is an ideal text for courses in Church History, American Religious History, or American social and cultural history.
Synopsis
A narrative overview of the Presbyterian Church in America, from its roots in Europe to its manifestations in contemporary America.
Library Journal
This comprehensive survey describes the history of the Presbyterian Church in America and includes a biographical dictionary of its most influential figures. Part 1 is a narrative history of its European origins in terms of the role that Zwingli, Calvin, and Knox played in developing Reformed and Presbyterian theology. The spread of the movement in America was as dramatic as its European birth. Many Scots-Irish Presbyterians came to America in the early 1770s seeking economic opportunity and met with persecution as they moved south into Virginia, where the Church of England predominated. In the colonies, the Presbyterian Church disagreed over doctrine and, most decisively, slavery, eventually splitting into two factions. A final account is included on the involvement of the church in today's ecumenical movement. Part 2 features profiles of Presbyterian leaders like Weatherspoon, Finney, McGready, Hodge, and Warfield. The authors are non-Presbyterians but effectively capture the essential characteristics of the tradition. This is an indispensable research tool for anyone interested in American religious history. Recommended for academic and seminary collections.-- Ravonne A. Green, Emmanuel Coll. Lib., Franklin Springs, Ga.