Product Description
While congregational studies have expanded our understanding of American religion, little is known about the local practices of a single denomination at its smallest jurisdiction. This book explores how national denominational commitments are affecting the practices of local United Church of Christ congregations inside a single association in the Shenandoah Valley. Nationally, the UCC defines itself as a united and uniting church in its ecumenical work; as multiracial and multicultural in its diversity; as accessible to all in welcoming those with disabilities; as open and affirming for its LGBT members; and as a just peace church in its support of social justice. So, how fully have local congregations embraced these commitments? Might congregations be more attached to their older identities, particularly in areas where the church's predecessors were strongly rooted? Or are the national church's commitments being lived out at the grassroots level? The book measures congregational life in one of the UCC's oldest and smallest associations. Books on congregational studies either focus on a case study of a particular congregation, or large-scale surveys of U.S. congregations that explore aggregate data to explain their work. This book looks instead at a group of local congregations inside a small judicatory (the Shenandoah Association) of the United Church of Christ to explain religious life at the grassroots level. ... Read more

Product Description
From the Preface: 'Did Churches of Christ really begin as a unity movement? Why didn't I know that?'

'You mean we used to be called Disciples of Christ? I thought that was just another denomination.'

'Churches of Christ today believe and practice the same things we have from the beginning, don't we?'

Statements like these by members of Churches of Christ reflect a serious lack of knowledge of our past and an increasing desire by many to know more of their heritage. This desire has led us to believe there is a need for a brief account of the history of Churches of Christ. This book hopes to serve newcomers and even long-time members of the church by giving them insights into our heritage. It also is an introduction to this significant group of churches for those unfamiliar with its place in American Christianity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent Introduction to the Stone-Campbell Restoration and the Churches of Christ
This is a fantastic introduction to the historical development of the churches of Christ from the underlying restorationism in late 18th and early 19th century Protestantism to the launch and ultimate union of the Stone and Campbell movements through the development of the Disciples of Christ, the 1906(ish) schism of the churches of Christ, through the 20th century divisions into mainline, progressive, and noninstitutional congregations. As the title expresses, it is indeed concise; inf act, it is more of an historical essay than a history, though the authors provide ample references for further, in-depth study.

Many of us with spiritual roots in the Restoration have lost sight of, even intentionally deemphasized the importance of, our own historical heritage. The authors give a fine introduction to that history, all in the context of building a case that those with Restoration roots should recognize that the story of our faith is a story of living, continuing communities of the people of God, not merely of ideas in a book. They further make an excellent case for returning to the ideal of restoring unity to Christians throughout all denominations, as opposed to the frequently prevalent, though patently untenable, myth of the churches of Christ as the only Christians, members of the one true Church restored to earth in the 19th century.

In the introductory material, the authors treat of the early and medieval Church in a fashion that is over-simplified near the point of naivete, but since this is not the main focus of the book nor is there space to delve deeper, this can be easily forgiven.

I highly recommend this work for anyone with either current or past roots in the churches of Christ, independent Christian Churches, or Disciples of Christ.

(The reviewer is a Catholic raised in the anti-institutional churches of Christ with family roots in the churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ going back to at least the early post-Civil War era, prior to the CofC/DofC schism.)

Shallow Research
This book is more of a position paper than a history book.There are many points in this book that become suspect with a deeper review of American history from 1849 to 1925.America was transforming during a time of civil war, yellow journalism, the Spanish American war, a presidential assasination, the growth of a progressive political movement, World War I, and a depression just to name a few.However, the authors point to the Civil War and the use of an instument during "worship" as the most logical reason churches from the north and south split.No mention is made of the rise of the Social Gospel movement beginning in 1988 and how it caused many religious organizations to seperate into more fundamental or more progressive groups.There is more evidence that the split spoke of in this book was more of a result of the "Social Gospel" movement.Do your own research and decide for yourself.

Challenges the Reader to Rethink Culturally Accepted Views
About the 2006 edition: Good general history of the Church of Christ side of the Restoration Movement that challenges the readers to rethink "doctrines" that have been culturally influenced.However, there are some disadvantages. Its brief overview of the Early Church to the Protestant Reformation classically blames political government only rather than church leaders for the church's direction. It also doesn't admit the likelihood that the time gap between the First Century Church and the present requires a different outlook on the Second Coming but instead criticizes the movement's founders for holding "different" views.

Renewing God's People: A Concise History of Churches of Christ
I ordered this book in mid November and never received it; however, my credit card was debited so I know the ordered the shipper.This will be the last time I order a book not shipped from Amazon.

Renewing God's People
"Did Churches of Christ really begin as a unity movement? Why didn't I know that?"
"You mean we used to be called Disciples of Christ? I thought that was just another denomination."
"Churches of Christ today believe and practice the same things we have from the beginning, don't we?"

Statements like these by members of the Churches of Christ reflect a serious lack of knowledge of our past and an increasing desire by many to know more of their heritage. That desire has led us to believe there is a need for a brief account of the history of Churces of Christ. This book hopes to serve newcomers and even long-time members of the church by giving them insights into our heritage. It also is an introduction to this significant group of churches for those unfamiliar with its place in American Christianity.

However, any attempt to look at one's spiritual ancestry is as pleasurable and painful as examining ones family tree. Some ancestors and family stories make us swell with pride; others we would just as soon forget. We are two insiders to Churches of Christ writing with a deep appreciation for those who have gone before us. We would in no way bash the church of our mothers and fathers. But as honest historians, we must present our story as we see it, "warts and all."
--- excerpt from book's Preface ... Read more

Product Description
Few issues within the church are as controversial as baptism.By which method should it be administered? At what age? What if one changes denominations? Laurence H. Stookey sifts through the confusion and rhetoric to offer this practical, biblically sound guide to baptism.He examines the sacrament from historical, theological, and pastoral perspectives, and looks at how it has been alteredthrough the ages. Dr. Stookey also suggests possible reforms, practices that need restoring, and proper occasions for the service. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Baptism, broadly speaking...
Laurence Hull Stookey, in the epilogue to his book Baptism: Christ's Acts in the Church, gives a very personal interpretation to the meaning of baptism for him:
'Baptism has changed my perception of the future. The same God who claimed me before I could understand, through that very act gives me hope for a future that I cannot comprehend.'

Baptism is a powerful action, one that incorporates an individual into the community. Despite the near-universal acceptance of baptism as a fundamental Christian practice, there is still a great amount of confusion and theological disarray (a term Stookey uses, which reminds me of Joe Jones' frequent use as well) surrounding the meaning and actual ritual enactment.

Stookey warns against seeing baptism as a magical act. This is not something that should be seen as a transformative act that works independent of the intentions and meaning attached to it by the individuals and community participating. However, there is a fine line that is often crossed between the theory of baptism and the practice of baptism. 'Early in the third century, Tertullian ... stated this worthy assertion, which establishes that the ministry of baptism is not the exercise of some magical power, nor is it the prerogative of an elite group. All can share equally what they themselves have received equally. When it came to practice as distinct from principle, Tertullian was more restrained.'

The entire community is called to participate in the baptism of members; frequently (as in my own tradition) when a new member is being baptised, all other members present are called upon to renew their own baptismal vows. This can be particularly meaningful and important in a tradition that practices infant baptism, for many (or most) individuals will not be able to recall the actual experience of their own baptisms.

Stookey permits the practice of infant/child baptism, on the grounds that it is part of the community's action, and so long as the community accepts responsibility for those it baptises, children may be included. 'Baptism is for those committed to the Christian faith and community, and for their children. This presses upon the church the necessity of being what the church is intended to be: a family of Christ's people who disciple, nurture, and encourage one another in faith.'

Baptism is the mark of being part of a church as a community of covenant, in relationship with God and with each other. Stookey argues for adult commitment to the process of baptism, but that this commitment can extend to the education and incorporation of children into the community. Stookey also argues against rebaptism. If baptism is 'a ritual action [that] has the power to communicate and incorporate', the baptised person is already part of the community, and it becomes a matter for pastoral leadership to lead the person who might be seeking rebaptism into other forms of expression - baptismal renewal, confirmation, reaffirmation are possible means for this.

Baptism is not simply a physical action, but rather is a multi-sensory experience that reaches out of several emotional and mental levels. 'While the very existence of sacramental actions and things is testimony that words are not everything in communicating the faith, this by no means indicates that words are unimportant.'

The words help express the desires and intentional aspects of the action, while the physical aspects carry meanings that reach many levels conscious and subconscious. Thus, Stookey argues for an incorporation of those he refers to as 'retarded' and 'senile', both in baptism and in communion, for some of the many-layered meanings may be able to be understood by those in ways those more 'normal' might not comprehend.

Baptism is, finally, a great equaliser. Through baptism all are made part of the body of Christ, and part of the adopted family of God. 'Baptism also gives us a vision of a new social order. All of us come to baptism as sinners equally guilty before God, and all of us come away from baptism as those who have been made God's adopted sons and daughters through grace. Once we grasp this, any supposed superiority based on race, social class, gender, or nationality is exposed as a lie.'

We all become responsible to and for each other. As Stookey concludes, there is is no greater comfort on earth for him than that he is baptised, and part of the family of God, the body of Christ. This is perhaps the ultimate purpose of baptism.

A Superb Introduction to Baptismal Theology and Liturgy
As a pastor, I sometimes have a difficult time explaining various aspects of baptism to my congregation. This is not usually because I am unaware of "the answer" but rather because I struggle for a way to explain things that is both accessible and understandable while doing justice to the importance of the rite and to those who lack the "theological" background to follow my arguments. Stookey's book is going to make that job a lot easier. In it, he explains the reasons for the centrality of the baptismal act and also discusses its development through history. In doing so he frequently points out that the reason a certain practice is rejected (or retained) can often be at odds with the original reason it was adopted (or rejected). He does all of this in clear prose that is easy to understand.

Another wonderful aspect of the book is its explanations of differences in denominational beliefs and practices and points out in marvelous ways just how similar we all are just under the surface. I especially enjoyed when he pointed out that certain aspects of Pentecostal affirmation share the highest of the high church theology with Roman Catholic confirmation.

This book is not written with any single denomination in mind although it does gravitate towards the mainline liturgical tradition (Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran, etc.). Much reference is made to other traditions including non-liturgical ones as well. The underlying theme of all his discourse is to recover the centrality of the baptismal covenant, whatever the denomination. He suggests ways to do so and also includes descriptions of liturgies to accomplish that end. He does this fully realizing that not everything he proposes will go over well in every venue.

If I were to teach a class in sacramental theology, particularly one in baptismal theology, this would be a text of choice.

Beautiful, lucid, gentle--a gift to any believer
This lovely book has put an end to the believer vs. infant baptism debate for many by gently illustrating in a number of ways that baptism is Christ's act--not man's or woman's--and that acceptance of that gift is not one of the intellect, but one of faith.Stookey traces the history of baptism from its primitive streambed roots to primitive early church rituals to modern-day derivations, calling the reader into deeper questions and encounters with each century's development.At the end of the journey, I felt refreshed and confirmed in that faith which led me on the journey to begin with. ... Read more

Product Description
This sweeping and eminently readable book is the first synthetic history of Calvinism in almost fifty years. It tells the story of the Reformed tradition from its birth in the cities of Switzerland to the unraveling of orthodoxy amid the new intellectual currents of the seventeenth century.

As befits a pan-European movement, Benedict's canvas stretches from the British Isles to eastern Europe. The course and causes of Calvinism's remarkable expansion, the inner workings of the diverse national churches, and the theological debates that shaped Reformed doctrine all receive ample attention. The English Reformation is situated within the history of continental Protestantism in a way that reveals the international significance of English developments. A fresh examination of Calvinist worship, piety, and discipline permits an up-to-date assessment of the classic theories linking Calvinism to capitalism and democracy. Benedict not only paints a vivid picture of the greatest early spokesmen of the cause, Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin, but also restores many lesser-known figures to their rightful place. Ambitious in conception, attentive to detail, this book offers a model of how to think about the history and significance of religious change across the long Reformation era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Subtitle is a Bit Misleading.
Thankfully, this book is not social history in the sense that it is concerned with lots of numbers and the lives of non-elites.Instead, Philip Benedict's Christ's Churches Purely Reformed is a magnificent survey of the Reformed movement in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.In this work, Benedict discusses both how the movement shaped Europe and how Europe shaped the Reformed movement.The book focuses not only on the main actors and thinkers of this time, but also shows how Reformed thinking affected the everyday lives of those living in the lands in which it took hold.

A reoccurring theme of Christ's Churches Purely Reformed is that Reformed thought is not monolithic.Benedict interestingly asserts that because Reformed thought allowed for a diversity of ecclesiologies, the central ideas disseminated more effectively.This unity among diversity allowed for the various churches in Switzerland, Britain, and France to all claim the same tradition, but have very different manifestations.Notably, the Presbyterian-synod system, which most Reformed churches would later adopt, was developed in France.Thus, from the beginning Reformed theology and ecclesiology was a work in progress.Benedict's discussion of this evolution of the Reformed traditional was helpful because it corrects the myth common among many Reformed denominations that their version of Reformed ecclesiology and manners sprung full-formed from the head of Calvin.However, Benedict notes that even though the differences were often strong, a sense of solidarity and commonality of tradition united the various national churches."Although the very term Reformed church was infused with ambiguities around 1600, the sense of fellowship and solidarity among these churches was powerful" (291).Most notably, these churches were willing to take communion with one another, the true witness to perceived Christian unity.

Benedict's thoughtful critiques of democracy and capitalism's origins in Calvinism were the high points of this book.Without being dogmatic, Benedict calls into question the supposed connections between these ideologies and the theology.Speaking specifically of Weber's thesis, Benedict writes, "His ideas exaggerate the extent to which they characterized the faith as a whole and attribute them too simply to a single cause" (541).Ultimately he concludes that while one can draw superficial and common-sensical parallels, the evidence for placing democracy and capitalism at the feet of Calvinism is very weak.In fact, Benedict notes that many of the characteristics of the Calvinist mind, which would lead to democracy or capitalism, were also present in the minds of Europeans not engaged in Reformed worship.However, Benedict honestly admits that many of his findings regarding the sociological impact of Calvinism "are more tentative and more likely to be revised by future research" than his historical chronology (432).

In this work, Benedict attempts to strike a scholarly balance between not overemphasizing the importance of the Reformed tradition in Western thought and acknowledging its contribution. He writes, "If the fatal flaw of theories crediting Calvinism with distinctive consequences for economic behavior or political development is that they exaggerate the spillover effects of religious doctrine outside the religious domain, the great shortcoming of the recent emphasis on the parallel consequences of the Lutheran, Reformed, and Catholic Reformations is that it downplays each faith's distinctiveness within the domain of culture and religious life" (544).On the whole, Christ's Churches Purely Reformed is a scholarly contribution which may bring a sense of balance to the field. ... Read more

Product Description
8 volume set ... Read more

Product Description
Without question, the essays in this volume are landmarks in the historiography and self-understanding of the Stone Campbell Movement, especially Churches of Christ. Written by two insiders and one outsider, each reflects significant developments in Stone-Campbell studies in the last forty years...Read, learn, and enjoy! -From the Introduction, By Douglas Foster ... Read more

Product Description
A fast moving book that looks inside the heritage known as the churches of Christ. As a compass gives direction this book will help you understand the difference between culture, tradition and Scripture. If your congregation is attempting to navagaite the many changes in 21st century American culture, this may be the book for you. An eye-opener! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A must read for anyone in the churches of Christ
First, the negatives- this books oddly falls off a cliff halfway in.The book is clicking along nicely concerning theology problems inside the church of Christ then, for no apparent reason, there are a few essays about the big bang and other seemingly non-related subjects.Then, as strangely as it began, the book returns to the subjects of tradition verses opinion verses truth in the churches of Christ.

Don't let the weird warble turn you off to this book.It is an excellent collection of short articles about problems with the doctrine of the church of Christ.Wait!Members of the churches of Christ will tell you they have no doctrine except the Bible!Of course, that is where this book is excellent.It's not what the Bible says, but how it is interpreted and it takes a close look at what is actually tradition and Biblical teaching.

This is a fine book and any one who is a member of the church of Christ needs to read it.

Only for those within to understand
The book deals with the progressive agenda within the churches of Christ during the turn of the century.The book highlights some concerns of the author over rigid patternism.The book is a call to unity.The major problem of the text is that the author infuses much opinion into the prose.The topics are relevant, but before one is to buy into his system, there must be more argumentation for his believes.There must be deeper investigation into these points of view.The author has drunk deeply of Leroy.

easy read
I agree that the flow of the book was odd, but the overall message came across very clearly once you finish the book.One gripe is that he uses the "upper room" argument, which I find to be a very weak argument.There are better ones out there I believe.If you are in the CoC or thinking of "identifying" this is a good book to read to make sure you are "owning" your interpretations.Let us all in the CoC learn to think for ourselves and not depend on our ancestry to "figure it all out for us".Let us not be merely indoctrinated.

Splitting the difference
For the message alone this book should get 5 stars. The message of unity between all "factions" of the Church is essential for growth and to lead the lost to Christ.However, this is a review of the book as a whole and I found it lacking, that is 1 star.Hence the title of this review, 5+1/2=3 stars.

What I found in this book is mostly opinion, more opinion and a little scripture.I must admit that I have yet to finish it so maybe it redeems itself in the end chapters/segments.Still, I am finding it a difficult read not due to the message but the messenger.The writing is stilted and the format confusing.It seems to be a random grouping of essays by the listed author and one other person, Buff Scott, Jr.There is at times a flow between one section and the next but overall, no.The authors have a section quoting leaders from the Restoration movement and church history but no citing.Basically, "This is what they said but you'll have to work to verify it if you want to."The other difficulty for me is most of the time I don't recognize the church the writers are criticizing.There are vague similarities to the congregations and church leaders I have known but that is all.

The book while worth reading can be summarized in this: Look to Christ for unity and for wisdom with all Church brethren.Don't treat your opinion or your traditions as law avoiding the trap of legalism.To me, the rest of the book is just filler and the authors' opinion and criticism of the Church as a whole based on their experiences.

Smelling Salts for the Soul
This fascinating and very readable series of short essays on issues in the churches of Christ is a real wake up call. The authors ask many intriguing and challenging questions about subjects such as legalism, tradition, hermeneutics, evangelism, the eldership, and worship, to name just a few. Although I do not agree with all of the book's conclusions, the authors do ask many good questions that clearly are on the minds of members of the church today. I recommend this book for church leaders and other mature Christians with strong critical thinking skills who are capable of, to borrow a phrase from the book, "owning their own interpretations." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Purchase
I ordered this as a gift and had it shipped to my husband so I didn't see it right away. When he got it he had no idea that it was a used set he said they were in perfect condition and once i actually got the chance to see them i had to agree. Definitely got my money's worth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

newer edition available
Would like to know why Amazon doesn't have the 2006 or even the 2003 edition?

Very Useful
Mac Lynn's directory of the churches of Christ is very useful for travel or for finding a church in your area to attend.
One of the interesting features of this book is that Lynn denotes churches by "type".With this feautre, if you are looking for a "non-institutional" church, you can find one, and if you are looking for a one-cup church you can find that as well.
Besides being used as a church locator, this book is often used in sermons to denote the amount of division inside the church.It suits both purposes well. ... Read more

Product Description
This book chronicles the history of Churches of Christ in America from their inception in the early nineteenth century to the 1990s, taking full account of the complexity of their origins, the mainstream of their heritage for almost two hundred years, and their voices of protest and dissent, especially in the twentieth cenury. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Reviving the Ancient Faith
I found the book very interesting and informative.However, even though there
was a qualifier which stated that it did not include data on "anti-institutional" Churches of Christ, I felt that the author did not sufficiently
recognize that there are churches of Christ which are conservative and have not
followed the many paths away from the ancient faith.

Thoroughly enlightening
Having grown up in the coC tradition, this was a really insightful book. I still have not digested all the content and I did not particularly like how vast concepts were suitcased in neat words like "premillenial", "eschatology", etc., but this book to me is like sitting down with my great great great grandfather and having him explain how the family came to be. At the risk of sacrilege, it's like how the Jews would view the Pentateuch. Very fundamental, highly recommended.

Finally!!!
It's about time someone in the Church of Christ wrote a history without all the propaganda. For years, we've been told this silly story about the "First Century Church" that went underground after Catholicism rose to power but resurfaced in early 19th century America. Now I have a better historical understanding of the CofC ideology. I now know the real reasons why there is a "plan of salvation" and no instrumental music. These reasons are historical and not scriptural. The CofC is so ashistorical that this book has and will continue to upset more people. After leaving the CofC, I had so many feelings of guilt. This book has helped me cope with a lot of issues. It has humanized this institution and not preserved it as part of a newfound deity - God, Son, the Holy Spirit and the Church of Christ.

One of the Best Histories of the Stone-Campbell Movement
Reviving the Ancient Faith is by far one of the three best histories of the Stone-Campbell Reformation in print, the others being Leroy Garrett's Stone Campbell Movement, Revised Edition, and Robert Hooper's A Distinct People. Anyone interested in the origins and history of the Church of Christ, and what makes those "peculiar people" so peculiar will find Hughes' book most enlightening.

Hughes traces the two main streams of our tradition, exemplified by "founders" Barton Warren Stone and Alexander Campbell and how Stone's apocalyptic, countercultural worldview and Campbell's "progressive primitivism" and focus on restoring the ancient gospel merged in second and third generation leaders like Tolbert Fanning, David Lipscomb and James A. Harding. As one who grew up in the church of Christ, I was intrigued to learn from Hughes in the book, that our tradition had several pre-millennial evangelists (actually a pre-millennial "wing" of our brotherhood), which I had never realized before (most traces of it were "stamped out" by conservatives such as Foy Wallace, Jr., until memory of this branch of our tradition was lost by the mainline churches). Those sections of the book alone make it worth reading.

Hughes continues by examining in detail the triumphs and controversies of the twentieth century, through the insitutional wranglings of the fifties and sixties, the Crossroads movement of the seventies and on into modern times.

Some readers may be suprised at much of the material presented, asmuch of it has been consciously or unconsciously "swept under the rug," as it were, by the church as a whole. For this reason, many have inaccurately accused Hughes of "revisionist history."

My one problem with the book is the absence of any substantive material on Alexander Campbell's father Thomas, and the latter's pivotal 1809 "Declaration and Address," which greatly influenced the thinking of his son Alexander and, at least in the early years served as the movement's Magna Carta.

But all in all, Reviving the Ancient Faith is a great primer on the Churches of Christ and what makes us tick.

Outstanding Overview
The author provides a well-balanced, readable and compelling overview of the people and issues that have influenced the modern history of the churches of Christ.The book was fourteen years in the making and is extremely well-researched and well-documented.It includes dozens of historic photographs and drawings of people who figure prominently in the text.

The book covers the standard history starting with Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone, continuing through the various controversies that divided and subdivided the body in the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century:missionary societies, instrumental music, premillennialism, moderization and institutionalism.It then provides excellent sections on more recent trends and controversies, including racial issues, campus ministries, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Crossroads and Boston movements, the emphasis on grace, the "new hermeneutic" crisis, and the role of women in the church.

I would highly recommend this book for every member of the church of Christ and for anyone who wants an excellent overview of the church's modern history. ... Read more

Product Description
1925. Brigham Young, second President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, and first Governor of Utah, was the founder and chief builder of the Great Intermountain West of the United States of America. He is recognized as one of the foremost colonizers and empire builders of all time. In this book Young is allowed to speak for himself. Excerpts have been made from his many discourses, and these have been arranged to show the coherent system of faith which he continuously taught his people and by which he was enabled to win success for his followers. Partial Contents: The Godhead; The Communication Between God and Man; Pre-existence, the Plan of Salvation; Free Agency; The Power of Evil; The Law of Eternal Progression; The Destiny of Man; Dispensations of the Gospel; The Last Days; The Scriptures; The Priesthood; The First Principles of the Gospel; The Word of Wisdom; The Family; Some Womanly Duties; Obedience; Gratitude, Humility, Devotion, Liberality, Honesty; Happiness and Social Enjoyments; Education; Self Control; Our Fellow-Men; Unity and Cooperation; Thrift and Industry; Wealth; Missionary Work; Visions, Mysteries and Miracles; Trials and Persecution; Political Government; Death and Resurrection; The Spirit World; Eternal Judgment; Salvation; Temples and Salvation for the Dead; Man's Search for Truth and Salvation; Testimony of the Truth; The Church and Kingdom of God on Earth; Some Effects of the Gospel; Joseph Smith the Prophet; and The Settlement in the West. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for deep background...
This book is one of the main sources for the Teachings of Presidents of the Church series that covered Brigham. Unlike for other prophets, the book covering him was meant to last two full calendar years. Now it's easy to see why. Even this book is simply a compilation of quotations, but it is filled with doctrinal gems. Brigham is a powerful witness for the Resurrection of Christ, and for the ability of Christ to change men's hearts. Particularly of interest (to me) was him discussing his conversion, which took close to three years of steady investigation. Here is a guy not afraid to ask questions. But where he goes for answers makes him an example.

A Classic in LDS Literature
This book is a good summary of the gospel teachings of Brigham Young.I have read about 400 books on LDS doctrine and this is a Top 25 book. ... Read more

Product Description
Winner of an Alpha Sigma Nu Book Award

The inability of American society to tolerate the peculiar institutions embraced by Mormons was one of the major events in the religious history of nineteenth-century America. Zion in the Courts explores one aspect of this collision between the Mormons and the mainstream: the Mormons' efforts to establish their own court system--one appropriate to the distinctive political, social, and economic practices they envisioned as Zion--and the pressures applied by the federal legal system to bring them to heel.

This first paperback edition includes two new introductory pieces in which the authors discuss the Mormon emphasis on settling disputes outside the court, a practice that foreshadows current trends toward arbitration and mediation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

History or modern POV, I prefer history
I stopped read these reviews, prior to purchasing this for my father, one of a long line of Mormon lawyers. I read with care the review of Mr. Launius, and his disdainful commentary influencing my choice. When readers assume that their personal, or intellectual or historical point of view needs to trump the history of events, we generally find flawed history. Those books which analyse Mormon History fall prey to these abuses readily. As the subject is not one most readers understand, they are not able to judge fairly between gadflies who attack history based up their personal belief systems. A quick check on Mr. Launius name readily reveals he is not enamoured of conservative, clear and simple history. Nor does he have the legal qualifications to judge this kind of history. Beyond that, the criticisms are based upon arguments that do not stand up well to scrutiny. Those people who claimed they felt "fear" in the presence of Mormons,to the extent that the slaughtered them, or in the case of the Governor of Missouri, issued an extinction order against them, did everything possible not just to scare them out of the Western fringe of America, they forced them into that long Pilgrimage to Utah when so many died. It's pretentious at the least to claim that a people who fled, many of the dead of winter, their prophet slaughtered, the government against them, were in any way able to threaten the power structure of the time. As the notes to the book mention, church courts only covered spiritual matters; the law of the land covered everyone else as equally as possible.If one does the research or reads the history of the time, one finds that despite all the negative press, Mormon were some of the first to vote, were highly respected by Susan B. Anthony and her cohort, and even hidden away in the desert of Utah were forming a more equal society, with few poor or needy among them.There is a reason this religion is still growing so quickly today.

On the basis of these principles, and the writers knowledge of the era covered, I expect my father to enjoy it greatly.I will update this as I read it myself.

An Acceptable, but Flawed Analysis
"Zion in the Courts" is a pretty good analysis of the legal issues affecting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1830 to 1990. Both authors are fine scholars and bring a wealth of understanding to the subject. In the process they explore the legal history of the often rocky relationships between Mormons and other Americans. They also offer a discussion of internal Mormon legal actions such as ecclesiastical courts and during the pioneer Utah period, adjudication of water rights in the arid territory.

But Edwin Brown Firmage and Richard Collin Mangrum fall sway to the Mormon myth of "persecuted innocence." Indeed, the authors of "Zion in the Courts" fail to move beyond the interpretive framework prearranged to lean in a pro-Latter-day Saint direction. While there may be some room for permutations of interpretation, Latter-day Saint leaders have essentially drawn a line in the sand about what may and may not be considered as an interpretive framework and most historians have accepted it (or perhaps have never even considered going beyond it) because of their religious convictions. Those who have ventured too far, notably D. Michael Quinn and Lavina Fielding Anderson, have been excommunicated from the church.

As a result the authors of "Zion in the Courts," despite the book's other very real qualities, assume without any serious discussion the viability and justification of a Mormon theocracy, i.e., Zion. The authors assert that the zionic goal inevitably led to persecution endured by an innocent church through both legal and extralegal means. They wrote that "The story of the persecution Mormons suffered through the institutions of the legal system, and of their efforts to establish their own legal system--one appropriate to Zion... illustrates democracy's potential to oppress an insular, minority community;..." (p. xiv-xv).

The authors apparently believe that theocracy is both possible and desirable, but such a quest for empire mandates by this perspective would always run against the grain of the American mainstream, and legal institutions by definition would oppose it. Far from democracy's "oppression" of a minority, I would suggest, the nation's legal system would assert itself to defend the cherished principles of the Constitution against a perceived threat to liberty from a theocracy bent on taking control. Debate over whether or not liberty was really threatened by Mormon theocracy is moot, but undoubtedly non-Mormons considered the church's secular power a threat to the Constitution. The authors fail to appreciate the inherent tension between democracy and theocracy. They also seem not to appreciate that there might be other equally valid approaches toward Mormonism's zionic quest. For some it represented a spiritual condition where righteousness and justness were partners with goodwill and charity, a position that eschewed the secular, theocratic aspects that always created ill-will between Mormons and other Americans. Unfortunately, the authors of "Zion in the Courts" did not consider criticisms of Mormonism's quest for empire-- criticisms that were coherent, internally consistent, and deserving of serious consideration. They accept at face value the Mormon dialectic. As a result, "Zion in the Courts" represents both the worst and the best of the recent writing on the Mormon past.

A Great Book
This is the first, and to date the only, book that attempts to tell the 19th century legal history of the Mormon Church.The book is divided into three parts.The first section basically gives the legal history of the church during the life time of its founder Joseph Smith.The second section details the intensive persecution of the church by the federal government over the practice of plural marriage.The third section describes in detail the ecclesiastical court system that basically served all of the judicial needs of pioneer Mormons.This section in particular is fabulous.Firmage and Mangrum had incredible access to confidential church court records and the detail and scope of their treatment dwarfs any other work on the subject.

However the book is not without flaws.There are some gaps in the research.For example, the landmark Reynolds decision is dicussed in detail, but one gets the impression that the only documents consulted were the published legal ones (opinions and briefs).What about journals and letters by the participants?These sorts of gaps abound.

On the whole, however, this is a wonderful work.Law is one of the hitherto neglected regions of Mormon studies, and Mormon perspectives are among the hitherto neglected possibilities of legal studies.Despite a facinating legal history, Mormon historians have done compartively little on the subject.Likewise, despite Mormons at the highest levels of the legal establishment -- e.g., Rex E. Lee (Solicitor General) or Dallin H. Oaks (Dean of Chicago Law School) -- there have been compartatively few attempts at sustained and scholarly Mormon perspectives on the law.Anyone interested in providing such perspectives should read this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fascinating MBTI group study!
Yeakley's "Discipling Dilema" is more than an expose of a potentially harmful religious group.With insight, he discusses a healthy view of MBTI Type psychology in groups. The book also offers a richdiscussion of the type of Christ (basically "untype-able").

Ifyou wish to view or participate in a discussion of Psychological Type andthe Bible please visit www.mindspring.com/~rduerJoin in the discussion! RD

A vital book for looking at "International Church of Christ"
Yeakley and other scholars critically examine practices and problems of the International Church of Christ, also formerly known as the "Boston Movement." Writers discuss such controversial practices as "discipling" that involves reporting on every aspect of personal life to another member of the church, who advises -- and, some have said, commands -- on such topics as whom to date and what movies to see.

Yeakley and his co-authors discuss the ICOC with compassion, and with an eye toward what Christians should admire in the group and its leaders, as well as what beliefs and practices should provoke concern.

Included is a FASCINATING analysis done by Yeakley with the Myers-Briggs Type Instrument, analyzing members' perceptions of changes in themselves in the past 10 and 5 years, and comparing these results with results from members of non-Boston churches of Christ, and members of mainline churches (Presbyterian, etc.) He also addresses the Boston leaders' explanations for these changes, and his own analyses. Yeakley is experienced in the use of MMTI and has a long history in the churches of Christ. At least one of the other contributors, Danny Dixon, was involved in the ICOC for many years.

Overall, a hard-to-find but vital book for those seeking to learn more about this growingand controversial international movement. ... Read more

Product Description
Adam Neder offers an exploration of the concept of “participation in Christ” in Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics and what it means for understanding Christian faith. He clarifies Barth’s claim that humanity as a whole, and human beings individually, participate in Jesus Christ; revelation, election, creation, reconciliation, and redemption all take place in Christ; and their meaning may only be comprehended in Christ. In these acts of inclusion and realization, the creature is incorporated into a fellowship that is nothing less than participation in the being of God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Clarifying Barth
In this work, Adam Neder offers an excellent treatment of the theme of participation in Barth's work.He moves through all four volumes of the Dogmatics, then to a summarizing chapter on Christology and ends with a comparison of Barth's views of participation and Orthodox teaching on theosis.The book is well-written and well organized.It is easy to follow Neder's argument throughout as he clarifies Barth's approach and counters misunderstandings of those who think Barth has nothing helpful to contribute to the subject.

The central argument of the book is that Barth HAS a consistent position on human participation in Christ and it is worthy of the church's attention and reflection.Neder says of Barth in his conclusion "his teaching concerning the participation in Christ should be understood as a constructive contribution to the church's tradition of reflection on the meaning of human participation in the being of God and not merely a rejection of that tradition" (p. 88).

This book will be helpful to people who think Barth's theology has no room in it for humanity and for those who are interested in the notion of participation in theology. ... Read more

Product Description
Your sweetheart has just been called to serve as bishop (or Relief Society president, elders quorum president, or Young Women President).What now?Does this mark the end of life as you have known it?Is there any way your marriage can survive the demands of this weighty responsibility?What of your relationship with your spouse, now that you must share him or her with others?

As the wife of an LDS bishop, author JeaNette Goates Smith knows all about those late-night phone calls from ward members, the disappointment of having to cancel personal or family plans, living in the spotlight and under the scrutiny of the whole ward, sitting alone in the congregation with restless children while her husband/bishop is sitting on the stand, and watching her spouse wrestle with difficult situations and hard decisions.

She also knows about the joy of service and the blessings that can come to a devoted Church leader and to his wife and family.She has had the satisfaction of being a supportive spouse and experiencing the closeness that comes when a couple works together in a righteous cause.

Candidly addressing both the challenges and the rewards, and also writing from the perspective of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Sister Smith shares her experiences and provides helpful tips on taking care of your spouse, taking care of yourself, taking care of your children, and taking care of the flock your spouse has been assigned to shepherd.

Filled with insight, practical advice, expressions of faith, and a joyful testimony of service, Side by Side provides welcome encouragement to the man or woman whose spouse has been "called to serve." ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more