The Dominance of Evangelicalism: The Age of Spurgeon and Moody (Volume 3)

A History of Evangelicalism #3

by David W. Bebbington

Preaching magazine's Year's Best Book for Preachers The word evangelical is widely used and widely misunderstood. Where did evangelicals come from? How did their influence become so widespread throughout the world? This book continues a compelling series of books charting the course of English-speaking evangelicalism over the last three hundred years. Evangelical culture at the end of the nineteenth century is set against the backdrop of imperial maneuverings in Great Britain and populist uprisings in the United States. Meanwhile, the industrialized West begins to enjoy the fruits of the Industrial Revolution, as British and American commerce become unstoppable forces on economies worldwide. The rising tide of respectability that accompanied the affluence of the late nineteenth century West exercised great influence over religion. The plight of those who shared little in the abundance of the period likewise stirred the Christian conscience of some, turning them ultimately toward a social gospel. Better communication, together with widespread education, meant that the latest news and novel ideas spread rapidly. Evangelicals knew what was happening among their fellow believers on the other side of the globe and were often swayed by their opinions or inspired by their schemes. Already during the later nineteenth century, evangelicalism was contributing in a major way to globalization. Theology, hymnody, gender, warfare, politics and science are all taken into consideration in this sweeping discussion of a critical period in religious history, but the focus of The Dominance of Evangelicalism is on the landmark individuals, events and organizations that shaped the story of a high-water mark of this vibrant Christian movement.

Genres: History, Church History, Christian, Christianity

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 2005

About the author

David W. Bebbington is a historian who is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Stirling in Scotland and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. An undergraduate at Jesus College, Cambridge (1968–71), Bebbington began his doctoral studies there (1971–73) before becoming a research fellow of Fitzwilliam College (1973–76). Since 1976 he has taught at the University of Stirling, where since 1999 he has been Professor of History. His principal research interests are in the history of politics, religion, and society in Great Britain from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, and in the history of the global evangelical movement.

Reviews

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the history of evangelicalism series covering the latter part of the 19th century. Excellent overview of the age of empire and rapid growth of population in the English speaking world. As indicated, hones in on Charles Spurgeon and Dwight Moody, but also look at the diversity and unity of evangelical traditions that emerged. An excellent snapshot of what evangelical faith looked like from hymn singing to assurance of salvation. This was also the era of the YMCA and massive amount of foreign missions generated from English speaking world. Sections on the Enlightenment and Romanticism and how they impacted theology was fascinating. this is also the era of the rise of theological liberalism and challenges to the biblical doctrine of creation (ala Darwin). The author also highlights Mueller and Taylor's living by faith as they led large missionary enterprises. In addition, the author explains how Bible conferences arose with a lot of emphasis on End Times speculation.

[Joey Kaching · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5. Put down at p105. Boring and dry, very dry. Not recommended reading... unless you are under doctors orders to keep excitement low and remain placid.

[Ryan Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some may not like this book for its careful tread through 19th century Evangelicalism, but for anyone with a basic grasp on history since the Reformation, this provides a solid, accessible presentation of the period. Bebbington is a towering figure on the subject, so his research if impeccable. More importantly, though, he is a clear writer, who does not dwell overly long on one subject or person.

He provides an adequate summation of the biography of both Spurgeon and Moody, but he also manages to cover Evangelicalisms fragmentations, influences and weaknesses, all without selling the Evangelical movement down the river. Key themes I found particularly insightful were his comments on how different denominations interacted in England and America during this period, and also how both the Enlightenment and Romanticism were equal draws on evangelicals, often due to their anti-intellectualism and overdependence on revivalism.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good throughout. Like the other volumes thus far, there is a balance of history and historiography, but this one felt like it weighed more than the previous two into history. As such, it had a bit more engaging narrative. Three chapters really stood out: those on the Enlightenment (4), Romanticism (5), and Conservativism (6). All three fascinating. A theme through the entire book was the rise of (or desire for) respectability (gentility) among Evangelicals, which catered to a particular kind of society, the same kind of society that would prove most open to new ideas, even those ideas that led away from the heart of evangelicalism into the liberalism which would in the next century become the antithesis to evangelical commitments. Finally, though their profile is a little understated in much of the book, I really enjoyed the sketches and recurrent references to Spurgeon and Moody. As with the other volumes in this series I have read (vols. 1 & 2), page after page brought to light some development in the history of evangelicalism that accounts for the evangelicalism I know today.

Bonus points:
1. Do you have flower arrangements in your church? There's a history to that. (Page 90 in my print edition; 85 in the Logos edition)

2. In the age of teetotalism, novels were also taboo for some evangelicals, being called "the Alcohol of Literature." (Page 238 in my print edition; 223 in the Logos edition)

[Jared Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oddly enough, this was the volume in the series I most looked forward to but it has been (so far) the one I've least enjoyed. Largely flavorless writing. I also wished he'd spent more ink on Spurgeon and Moody, but they are surprisingly scant despite appearing in the subtitle.

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dense. Not really a throwaway sentence in the whole book. This guy did his homework. If you want to grasp the nature of evangelicalism is it pertains to the late 19th century, this is what you're after.

[Dave Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a current covenanter from a more broadly evangelical background this book provided me a marvelous and succinct study of 'how we got here.' Covering the period of evengelicalism stretching roughly from 1850-1900, Bebbington traces the roots of many common present day (fading) trends within the evangelical community, including views on women, race, and temperance. He cites the broad development of the movement along with that in England, and interweaves the lives of several dominant preachers within that period including Moody and Spurgeon. It was a period when evangelical views dominated the English speaking cultures, and its effects are still felt today. Readable and concise with a large biography for those interested in further study.

This is the third in a series by IVP on the History of Evangelicalism, (Noll wrote the first book). Highly recommended.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful

[Angela Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a brilliant overview of the development of evangelicalism in the English-speaking world. Each book written by an academic who is renowned in his field, these books are useful for both amateur and professional historians with an interest in evangelicalism.