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Turning Points in American Church History: How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith
"An excellent resource for those eager to learn more about the evolution of American Christianity."-- Publishers Weekly
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.
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.
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2024
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175 people want to read
About the author
Elesha J. Coffman
5 books1 followerElesha J. Coffman is Associate Professor of History at Baylor History, where she has taught since 2016. She graduated summa cum laude from Wheaton College in 1997, and earned her MA (2006) and Ph.D. (2008) from Duke University.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 3, 2024
This was a nice overview of certain “turning points” in our church history here in America. It’s definitely an emotionally provoking read and shows how the church has been led the wrong way IMO. I’m just gonna say it…heartbreaking. I find it hard to tell if there’s a bias, but this did seem level in the facts. She is an academic writer but it was easy to follow. I would recommend reading this book with a tissue and discernment.
November 28, 2023
Elesha J. Coffman’s "Turning Points in American Church History, How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith" is a masterful exploration that sheds light on the pivotal moments shaping the American Christian faith. Coffman, Baylor’s Associate Professor of History, has followed up her well received biography of Margaret Mead. She leads readers on a captivating journey through the annals of American church history, starting in 1588 with the defeat of the Spanish Armada and concluding in 1980 with President Ronald Reagan. This book skillfully navigating the complexities of theological evolution and institutional transformation.
One of the book's most commendable aspects is Coffman's ability to distill vast historical narratives into accessible and engaging prose. Her writing effortlessly bridges the gap between academic rigor and reader-friendly storytelling, making this book a captivating read for both seasoned scholars and those new to the subject. Coffman’s commitment to clarity and coherence ensures that even the most intricate concepts are presented in a way that is both enlightening and enjoyable.
Each chapter of "Turning Points in American Church History" functions as a portal into a specific time period, offering readers a panoramic view of the ecclesiastical landscape. Coffman meticulously examines critical moments, in about a 400 year span, with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the diverse currents that have shaped American Christianity.
"Turning Points in Church American History" not only informs but also inspires. Coffman’s writing style, coupled with her insightful analysis, encourages readers to reflect on the relevance of historical turning points to contemporary faith and practice. The book serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting readers to consider how the church's journey through time shapes their own spiritual perspectives.
In conclusion, Elesha J. Coffman’s "Turning Points in American Church History" stands as a beacon of scholarship and readability in the realm of church history literature. With its captivating storytelling, meticulous research, and inclusive approach, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the profound moments that have defined the American Christian faith. Coffman’s work is not only a testament to her expertise as a historian but also a gift to those eager to explore the rich tapestry of church history. Highly recommended for both the scholarly and the curious reader alike.
One of the book's most commendable aspects is Coffman's ability to distill vast historical narratives into accessible and engaging prose. Her writing effortlessly bridges the gap between academic rigor and reader-friendly storytelling, making this book a captivating read for both seasoned scholars and those new to the subject. Coffman’s commitment to clarity and coherence ensures that even the most intricate concepts are presented in a way that is both enlightening and enjoyable.
Each chapter of "Turning Points in American Church History" functions as a portal into a specific time period, offering readers a panoramic view of the ecclesiastical landscape. Coffman meticulously examines critical moments, in about a 400 year span, with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the diverse currents that have shaped American Christianity.
"Turning Points in Church American History" not only informs but also inspires. Coffman’s writing style, coupled with her insightful analysis, encourages readers to reflect on the relevance of historical turning points to contemporary faith and practice. The book serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting readers to consider how the church's journey through time shapes their own spiritual perspectives.
In conclusion, Elesha J. Coffman’s "Turning Points in American Church History" stands as a beacon of scholarship and readability in the realm of church history literature. With its captivating storytelling, meticulous research, and inclusive approach, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the profound moments that have defined the American Christian faith. Coffman’s work is not only a testament to her expertise as a historian but also a gift to those eager to explore the rich tapestry of church history. Highly recommended for both the scholarly and the curious reader alike.
December 22, 2024
Really great writing putting some specific movements or moments in context. A great way to learn about US history as well and Christian history. Starts with the colonies and goes through the Reagan years. Enjoyed the inclusion of music and prayers, photos, documents, stories, women, indigenous Christianity, Catholicism, African American history etc. It’s hard to include all the things, but this manages to get a lot of the vibe and connect church history to the other elements that are going on in US history. I’ll be assigning some of this in my church history class next semester.
November 22, 2024
Summary: Shows ways the church contributed to American history through 13 key events over four centuries.
If we have taken a history course in college, we may have read a text that tried to cover every significant event and date within its scope. While comprehensive, at least in a superficial sense, it was usually a bore. Elesha J. Coffman, following an example of Mark Noll (who contributes the foreword) takes a different approach to the subject of American church history. Specifically, she chooses thirteen key events that may be considered turning points in American church history. By doing so, she can both zoom in on the real human history, while setting the turning points in a broader context and showing subsequent developments and impacts in American history.
From the table of contents, here are the thirteen events covered:
1. The Old World Order Upended
The Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 1588
2. The Limits of Religious Freedom
Roger Williams Banished from Massachusetts, 1635
3. A Collision of Cultures
King Philip’s War, 1675-76
4. Evangelicalism Sweeps America
George Whitefield Sparks the First Great Awakening, 1740
5. A Faith for Enslaved and Free
First African American Church Founded at Silver Bluff, South Carolina, 1773
6. Far from Rome
John Carroll Elected First Roman Catholic Bishop in the United States, 1789
7. The Benevolent Empire
American Bible Society Founded, 1816
8. Houses Divided
Methodist Church Splits over Slavery, 1844
9. Muscular Missions
Student Volunteer Movement Launched, 1886
10. Los Angeles Fire
Azusa Street Revival Catalyzes Pentecostalism, 1906
11. Science versus Religion?
The Scopes “Monkey” Trial, 1925
12. Civil Rights and Uncivil Religion
Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing, Birmingham, 1963
13. Religion Moves Right
Ronald Reagan Elected President, 1980
To illustrate her approach, I will take the chapter on the first African American church. Each chapter opens with a representative piece of hymn or song lyrics. This chapter opens with “There is a Balm in Gilead.” She traces the first church to Silver Bluff, North Carolina, the preaching of white revivalist, Wait Palmer on George Galphin’s estate, although George Liele, from a slave background, had previously preached to the slaves. Liele served as presiding elder after the initial sacraments, administered by Palmer.
Coffman then backs out, discussing the early history of slavery, Richard Allen and the formation of the African Methodist Episcopal churches as well as the informal revivalist experiences, including the unique form of the “ring shout.” She discusses the fears of uprising and how much Christian activity was covert. And she includes a sidebar from Frederick Douglass on false and true Christianity. Each chapter concludes with a prayer, in this case, from a message of the Rev. Absalom Jones. Finally, each chapter also includes a bibliography for further reading.
I personally found several chapters particularly interesting. I had not thought about the significance of the defeat of the Spanish Armada for the English settlement of the colonies. And I appreciated the history of Bishop John Carroll, having lived near the university that bore his name. Growing up in a heavily Catholic neighborhood, I did not always appreciate what it was like for Catholics as a minority in a heavily protestant country. Working in collegiate ministry, I appreciated the inclusion of the chapter on the Student Volunteer Movement, a predecessor to the organization I worked with. And I reflected as I read the final chapter on the rise and decline of evangelicalism, of how I had lived in that history from the “year of the evangelical” as a college student down to the present. Sobering.
The author admits that one weakness is that some important developments get overlooked. In the American context, one element that I wish had been included was the importance of ethnic church communities, including Asian ethnicities, Latino ethnicities, and African churches in our contemporary context. On the other hand, I was impressed with how these thirteen key events covered so much ground. And they were interesting!
This book could serve as a good text, or supplemental text, in American church history. It will also work well for an adult Christian education course. And the breadth of stories helps us realize the amazing mosaic that is the American church.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
If we have taken a history course in college, we may have read a text that tried to cover every significant event and date within its scope. While comprehensive, at least in a superficial sense, it was usually a bore. Elesha J. Coffman, following an example of Mark Noll (who contributes the foreword) takes a different approach to the subject of American church history. Specifically, she chooses thirteen key events that may be considered turning points in American church history. By doing so, she can both zoom in on the real human history, while setting the turning points in a broader context and showing subsequent developments and impacts in American history.
From the table of contents, here are the thirteen events covered:
1. The Old World Order Upended
The Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 1588
2. The Limits of Religious Freedom
Roger Williams Banished from Massachusetts, 1635
3. A Collision of Cultures
King Philip’s War, 1675-76
4. Evangelicalism Sweeps America
George Whitefield Sparks the First Great Awakening, 1740
5. A Faith for Enslaved and Free
First African American Church Founded at Silver Bluff, South Carolina, 1773
6. Far from Rome
John Carroll Elected First Roman Catholic Bishop in the United States, 1789
7. The Benevolent Empire
American Bible Society Founded, 1816
8. Houses Divided
Methodist Church Splits over Slavery, 1844
9. Muscular Missions
Student Volunteer Movement Launched, 1886
10. Los Angeles Fire
Azusa Street Revival Catalyzes Pentecostalism, 1906
11. Science versus Religion?
The Scopes “Monkey” Trial, 1925
12. Civil Rights and Uncivil Religion
Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing, Birmingham, 1963
13. Religion Moves Right
Ronald Reagan Elected President, 1980
To illustrate her approach, I will take the chapter on the first African American church. Each chapter opens with a representative piece of hymn or song lyrics. This chapter opens with “There is a Balm in Gilead.” She traces the first church to Silver Bluff, North Carolina, the preaching of white revivalist, Wait Palmer on George Galphin’s estate, although George Liele, from a slave background, had previously preached to the slaves. Liele served as presiding elder after the initial sacraments, administered by Palmer.
Coffman then backs out, discussing the early history of slavery, Richard Allen and the formation of the African Methodist Episcopal churches as well as the informal revivalist experiences, including the unique form of the “ring shout.” She discusses the fears of uprising and how much Christian activity was covert. And she includes a sidebar from Frederick Douglass on false and true Christianity. Each chapter concludes with a prayer, in this case, from a message of the Rev. Absalom Jones. Finally, each chapter also includes a bibliography for further reading.
I personally found several chapters particularly interesting. I had not thought about the significance of the defeat of the Spanish Armada for the English settlement of the colonies. And I appreciated the history of Bishop John Carroll, having lived near the university that bore his name. Growing up in a heavily Catholic neighborhood, I did not always appreciate what it was like for Catholics as a minority in a heavily protestant country. Working in collegiate ministry, I appreciated the inclusion of the chapter on the Student Volunteer Movement, a predecessor to the organization I worked with. And I reflected as I read the final chapter on the rise and decline of evangelicalism, of how I had lived in that history from the “year of the evangelical” as a college student down to the present. Sobering.
The author admits that one weakness is that some important developments get overlooked. In the American context, one element that I wish had been included was the importance of ethnic church communities, including Asian ethnicities, Latino ethnicities, and African churches in our contemporary context. On the other hand, I was impressed with how these thirteen key events covered so much ground. And they were interesting!
This book could serve as a good text, or supplemental text, in American church history. It will also work well for an adult Christian education course. And the breadth of stories helps us realize the amazing mosaic that is the American church.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
August 15, 2024
Summary: An introduction to American Church history.
Mark Noll originally released his book Turning Points in Church History in 2001. (It is now in its 14th edition.) Elesha Coffman is writing a United States-focused version with the consent (and introduction) of Mark Noll. Noll is approaching 80 and still has the third in his history of the use of scripture series and several other books he is working on, and he says in the introduction that he didn't have the time or interest to do an American-focused turning points book.
As with any type of book like this, the choices of what are the turning points matter and will be debated. I think that this choices were good. She started with the Spanish Armada, which she framed as a starting point for English colonialism and a shift in global power. I might have started with the rise of Puritanism or the English Reformation, but all three of those starting points are related and led toward the English colonies in North America.
Coffman did a very good job contextualizing the different turning points. In this type of book, the turning points are a frame for looking at an era of history not just the thing itself. So Azusa Street Revival was not just about that event, but about the rise of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements in the US and how they rippled through not just those denominations but also impacted Catholic and Episcopal charismatic reform movements as well.
She pays appropriate attention to women and minority Christian communities not just in discussion of the Black Church in chapter five (the founding of the first African American church at Silver Bluff) or the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and the civil rights movement in chapter 12, but in all of the chapters. One of my complaints would be that I would have liked a chapter on the women’s rights movement. I probably would have chosen Sojourner Truth’s Aint' I a Woman speech as the framing device, but there are several appropriate alternatives.
I am also glad that she includes a chapter on Catholicism. Again, there always could be more. The problem with introductory survey books is limiting. I had a working knowledge of all of the areas, but I still learned something in every chapter. I think the “Muscular Missions” chapter on the student volunteer movement was well done and appropriately critical of the sexism and bias of the movement while speaking well of the positive intent of evangelism. I would have liked more discussion of how dispensationalism influenced much of that movement, but again, I know not everything can be included.
One last regret, again, I don’t think there was anything that should not have been included that was, but a discussion of the apocalyptic predictions of the end of the world with the Millerites I think was important. It was similarly placed with many new religious movements like the Mormons and the Christian Scientists and the Seventh Day Adventists and Shakers would have also been a helpful addition, but there already were 13 chapters those editorial decisions are hard.
I listened to this as an audiobook. It was something that I could dip in and out of so I spent a couple of months listening to a chapter here and there. I think mostly it was designed as a textbook, but this is very readable and especially if you do not have a lot of American church history, this is a very good place to start.
This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/turning-points-in-a...
Mark Noll originally released his book Turning Points in Church History in 2001. (It is now in its 14th edition.) Elesha Coffman is writing a United States-focused version with the consent (and introduction) of Mark Noll. Noll is approaching 80 and still has the third in his history of the use of scripture series and several other books he is working on, and he says in the introduction that he didn't have the time or interest to do an American-focused turning points book.
As with any type of book like this, the choices of what are the turning points matter and will be debated. I think that this choices were good. She started with the Spanish Armada, which she framed as a starting point for English colonialism and a shift in global power. I might have started with the rise of Puritanism or the English Reformation, but all three of those starting points are related and led toward the English colonies in North America.
Coffman did a very good job contextualizing the different turning points. In this type of book, the turning points are a frame for looking at an era of history not just the thing itself. So Azusa Street Revival was not just about that event, but about the rise of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements in the US and how they rippled through not just those denominations but also impacted Catholic and Episcopal charismatic reform movements as well.
She pays appropriate attention to women and minority Christian communities not just in discussion of the Black Church in chapter five (the founding of the first African American church at Silver Bluff) or the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and the civil rights movement in chapter 12, but in all of the chapters. One of my complaints would be that I would have liked a chapter on the women’s rights movement. I probably would have chosen Sojourner Truth’s Aint' I a Woman speech as the framing device, but there are several appropriate alternatives.
I am also glad that she includes a chapter on Catholicism. Again, there always could be more. The problem with introductory survey books is limiting. I had a working knowledge of all of the areas, but I still learned something in every chapter. I think the “Muscular Missions” chapter on the student volunteer movement was well done and appropriately critical of the sexism and bias of the movement while speaking well of the positive intent of evangelism. I would have liked more discussion of how dispensationalism influenced much of that movement, but again, I know not everything can be included.
One last regret, again, I don’t think there was anything that should not have been included that was, but a discussion of the apocalyptic predictions of the end of the world with the Millerites I think was important. It was similarly placed with many new religious movements like the Mormons and the Christian Scientists and the Seventh Day Adventists and Shakers would have also been a helpful addition, but there already were 13 chapters those editorial decisions are hard.
I listened to this as an audiobook. It was something that I could dip in and out of so I spent a couple of months listening to a chapter here and there. I think mostly it was designed as a textbook, but this is very readable and especially if you do not have a lot of American church history, this is a very good place to start.
This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/turning-points-in-a...
February 7, 2024
Well Documented Examination Of Oft-Ignored Periods Of History As They Relate To The American Church. Coffman makes it clear in the introduction of this book that she is setting out to examine 12 events/ periods of history that had what she believes is the greatest impact on the American Church over the course of its history - from the earliest days of Christianity in the land now called the "United States of America" through today. While some are rather obvious and typical, others - including her in-depth analysis of the Pentacostal style of worship - are less so. The writing style is nearly conversational academic - still clearly academic in nature, but not such that you have to be an academic (and particularly an academic in her given field) to understand, and Coffman covers pretty well the entire history and most all angles of the given moment for the chapter at hand. Other interesting writing choices are including a period worship song and a period prayer to highlight her overall points about the period in question. Overall an interesting look at a lot of history that even this amateur historian wasn't completely aware of, the book still invites the reader to decide for themselves if Coffman really got the 12 most pivotal events, or why the reader believes other events should have been discussed instead, making it fairly rare in its overall tone and "aftertaste". Truly an interesting book for anyone remotely interested in its subject or combination of subjects. Very much recommended.
November 17, 2024
Turning Points in American Church History
How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith
by Elesha J. Coffman
Pub DateJan 30 2024
Baker Academic & Brazos Press |Baker Academic
Christian
Baker Academic and Netgallry have sent me Turning Points in American Church History for review:
Christianity has profoundly shaped American history, as well as been shaped by it. The author provides a brisk, lively, yet deeply researched overview of these intertwined forces from colonial times to the present.
Through 13 key events over four centuries, Elesha Coffman tells the story of Christianity in the United States. Among the turning points they track are 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. In her analysis of these events, Coffman shows how, throughout these events, Christians attempted to discern what it meant to live faithfully in the diverse and rapidly changing United States.
Readers will gain a better understanding of their own faith and the landscape of American religion through this book. A hymn, a prayer, relevant historical images, excerpts from primary sources, and resources are included in every chapter.
I give Turning Points in American Church History, five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
July 28, 2024
If you think church history is only Jonathan Edwards and a long list of other Protestant men opining about theology, this book will blow your mind. Coffman introduces a whole new set of characters: Sarah Osborn, Phillis Wheatley, John Carroll, Lili’uokalani, Ruth Rouse, Pearl S. Buck, Clara Lum, Kathryn Kuhlman, Howard Thurman, Phyllis Schlafly, and Mother Angelica.
It's a lively, story-driven volume that’s my favorite kind of history: case studies that illuminate larger trends. It avoids what Coffman describes as “the tendency of survey texts to feel like they are eighty-five miles long and an inch deep.”
Money quote: “Christians in the past—like all humans in all eras—made a lot of errors. They chose power instead of love. Or they meant well but caused harm. They were sure that the Bible said things that other Christians were equally sure it did not. Some of the most faithful Christians in the past faced the harshest treatment, from the world at large or from their own coreligionists. The gospel is good news; church history is often bad news. What good is bad news?”
For Coffman’s explanation of how bad news can be good, read page 280.
It's a lively, story-driven volume that’s my favorite kind of history: case studies that illuminate larger trends. It avoids what Coffman describes as “the tendency of survey texts to feel like they are eighty-five miles long and an inch deep.”
Money quote: “Christians in the past—like all humans in all eras—made a lot of errors. They chose power instead of love. Or they meant well but caused harm. They were sure that the Bible said things that other Christians were equally sure it did not. Some of the most faithful Christians in the past faced the harshest treatment, from the world at large or from their own coreligionists. The gospel is good news; church history is often bad news. What good is bad news?”
For Coffman’s explanation of how bad news can be good, read page 280.
May 10, 2024
Because American church history is relatively short, this book skips over fewer events than might be expected in a "turning points" book. Part of the reason for this is that Coffman does not simply look at the specific turning point, but then traces its effects down through the years. That leads to my one big complaint: The chapters felt misleading. The highlighted event is usually a relatively small part of the chapter which sets up a larger discussion. I felt like I would have been led through the book better if the chapters better encompassed what the overall theme was.
Coffman definitely takes an overall view of American Christianity in decline in her presentation. And I don't think it's without reason. American Christianity has been much too triumphalist and ignorant of the past. It needs to acknowledge its errors, recognize and separate the cultural accretions, and then hold fast to the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
Coffman definitely takes an overall view of American Christianity in decline in her presentation. And I don't think it's without reason. American Christianity has been much too triumphalist and ignorant of the past. It needs to acknowledge its errors, recognize and separate the cultural accretions, and then hold fast to the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
June 19, 2024
Elesha J. Coffman’s “Turning Points in American Church History: How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith,” is a book with an interesting concept. She takes thirteen pivotal events and uses them to provide a somewhat chronological look at important events in the Christian life of the United States. While you might disagree with her choice of events, she does write well, and I must admit that there were things that I learned that I did not know when I picked her book for the first time. She strives to be objective, but her biases seep through in her tone and text, which is understandable. Her chapter on the Pentecostal movement was especially interesting. (304 pages)
January 7, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book and appreciated its approach. Coffman identifies 13 turning points that anchor her exploration of American church history, and she situates each event/movement in its broader church and cultural context. She does especially well attending to race and gender, and she illuminates disparities and harm that occurred without being heavy-handed. I appreciated Coffman’s inclusion of primary sources (hymns, prayers) and the depth and breadth that she achieved. Her conclusions about the importance of studying history are quite compelling. This would be an excellent choice for an American History of Religion class. Highly recommend!
February 27, 2024
The best single-volume intro to American Christian history. Really smart. Really engaging. Successfully weaves things together, introduces historical debates, brings complexity and nuance (without losing clarity!). Highly recommend.
I designed several intro-to-American-religion courses for my American studies program as a grad student and read, approximately, 50 million intro texts and textbooks. This focuses just on Christianity, which will suit some contexts better than others, but it's by far the best.
I designed several intro-to-American-religion courses for my American studies program as a grad student and read, approximately, 50 million intro texts and textbooks. This focuses just on Christianity, which will suit some contexts better than others, but it's by far the best.
June 15, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. I do enjoy history and liked the events that were chosen. The writing was okay but didn't always hold my attention. Meaning this took me a while to read through. I enjoyed the extras that were in the book. There were great suggestions for other books to read and a lot of information in the back of the book. The hymns mentioned at the beginning were a great touch. Overall, I enjoyed it, just don't think I would read it again.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
February 6, 2024
3.5 stars
A super accessible, thought-provoking overview of some key moments in church history in America, specifically. Also really appreciated the further reading resource list in each chapter. At the end of the book, I realize I would have preferred a deeper historical work, but this is an excellent intro-level resource if you are looking for one.
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/4yVt9looUVU
A super accessible, thought-provoking overview of some key moments in church history in America, specifically. Also really appreciated the further reading resource list in each chapter. At the end of the book, I realize I would have preferred a deeper historical work, but this is an excellent intro-level resource if you are looking for one.
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/4yVt9looUVU
June 13, 2024
Elesha Coffman provides a wonderful tour of pivotal moments that changed the course of American church history. I thought her chapter on the Birmingham church bombing was the strongest chapter. And for each she gives sufficient background information so we understand what was at stake. What I missed the most, though, was hearing more of her arguments for "why" she thought these were the most pivotal. I would love to hear that presentation.
April 10, 2025
Solid and insightful overview of church history in America. It doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor, and there are inevitably going to be quibbles with the choice of events. Though well-written, it is perhaps still too dry to appeal to church groups or many interested laypersons. Pastors, Christian educators, and other church leaders should read and share its contents with their parishioners/students.
November 2, 2024
This is an excellent overview of key events in American history and their connection to and influence on Christian people and institutions. The connections to the present are especially helpful. This would make a fascinating read for anyone interested in history, and is also very useful as a course textbook.
April 22, 2024
Well written survey with occasional fresh insight. Good starting place.
January 16, 2025
My advisor wrote this, so auto 5 stars-but it is also really good, insightful and brilliantly written-some really witty turns-of-phrase.
December 30, 2025
Fast paced, well written, and engaging. This book does a good job of highlighting key events in American church history and providing insights that can lead the reader to more detailed study. The writer's passion for church history and understanding and appreciation of American evangelical culture is evident throughout, and I can tell from the way this book is written that I would thoroughly enjoy having the writer as a teacher either in one of my seminary classes or otherwise in a lecture series format. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews