Bible in Pocket, Gun in Hand: The Story of Frontier Religion

by Ross Phares

"'The Story of Frontier Religion' could have been told in a great many ways, many of them dull. Here, however, interpretative matter has been kept to a minimum and source material selected with an unerring sense of humor. . . . There are chapters on the styles of preaching and of praying, the phenomena of revivalism, the church as a disciplinary force, frauds and 'bad men' who preached, scoffers and trouble-makers, the fiercely jocular competition among the various sects, and the hard lot of circuit ministers."--Virginia Kirkus' Bulletin. "This is an admirable piece of research, unpedantic but authentic, packed with entertaining anecdotes (some of them hilarious) based on obscure pastoral autobiographies, the diaries of early missionaries, the minutes of church court trials, and other curious source materials. . . . A unique book."--Chicago Sunday Tribune. Ross Phares has written widely for magazines and is the author of several books.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

182 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1971

Reviews

[Devonne West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a result of research obtained from many pioneer preachers' biographies and notes, church court reviews, and other historical documents. Preachers during the frontier days were men of immense courage, deep commitment, and great strength in mind, body, and spirit. It is doubtful whether preachers of today, or any of today's men for that matter, could endure the ridicule, danger, trials, and hardships that these men endured.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much has been written of the old west and the caliber of men and women that helped initially settle it. However, one rarely hears of the stories of those of the cloth that helped provide a bit more civility. An interesting and well researched book on the early days of frontier religion.

[Peter Migner · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting perspective on the frontier days of early America. A good read for a perspective on why Christianity is like it is in some regards today.

[Mike Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Keeps your interest from beginning to end. Gives you a good idea of what the early ministers endured and is a great source of reference.

[Courtney Carlson]

Fascinating and funny.

[Michael Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take onministry in tbe old west. I especially enjoyed the travails of ministers in Texas.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and sometimes funny accounts. Worth reading.

[Gloriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious. I wish all history books were written like this one; it was not dull in the least.

[Israel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, engaging, and subtly inspirational. Through a series of anectodes Phares paints a compelling picture of Frontier Religion. The collision and collusion of Christianity with the Wild Wild West is sometimes tragic, sometimes hilarious, and often like the making of sausage. An excellent bathroom book, it probably deserves more stars, but it failed to make me cry.

[Justin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book from cover to cover because it constantly, yet smoothly, transitioned to new topics or perspectives. The history it presents is well researched. Packed with stories, Phares's work reminded me of Bill Nye (the humorist, not the science guy). I plan using history and anecdotes from this book in sermons (and life) for years to come.