Book Description
The Mayflower Pilgrims: Roots of Puritan, Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Baptist Heritage is the fascinating Account of one of the greatest adventures of all time, recounted here in its entire breadth, from Reformation backgrounds to the ninteenth century. Engagingly written, this complete and up-to-date account includes research never before published.Dispelling numerous popular myths concerning the English Separatist Movement, this book establishes the movement's true role in English, American and Christian heritage.

Contains beautiful color illustrations and photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Mayflower Pilgrims
(...)David Beale, professor of Church history at Bob Jones University, has taken advantage of recent scholarly studies and his own personal knowledge in putting together an excellent treatment of the Mayflower Separatists and their connections with other seventeenth century British dissenters. After describing their background in the context of the English Reformation, Beale details the fortunes of the Pilgrims from their beginnings in the Lincolnshire area of northern England to their landing at Cape Cod in 1620 and beyond. He references everything with the best sources and fleshes out his account with colorful descriptions of these indomitably brave souls. This is the best single reference volume on the Pilgrims in print. An added bonus for Baptists especially is Chapter Eight, “How the Earliest English Baptists Originated from the Pilgrim Separatists,” in which Beale accurately describes the relationships of both General and Particular Baptists to Separatism. In doing so, he dispels the myth that seventeenth century Baptists were the product of continental Anabaptism. He also advances the position that Henry Jacob, normally considered the founder of English Puritan Congregationalism (the Independents), actually became a Separatist, having more in common with John Robinson, the Pilgrims’ “consistent separatist” pastor, than with either the English Puritans or the more radical “Brownists.”
What makes this volume particularly valuable are the appendices, ten in all, which consist of primary source materials highlighting significant events in Nonconformist history. Several practical selections are included in the appendix section as well, such as an explanation of “double” dates for British events and a selfguided tour of Leiden, home of the Pilgrim Separatist congregation for twelve years. And if you are interested in researching your family name, Beale gives you the necessary help to get started.
Several personal trips to England, coupled with extensive technical research, has given Beale the reputation of being one of the world’s leading authorities on the Pilgrims. The quality and detail of his careful research is everywhere evident in this book. The intricacy of explanation in no way encumbers the narrative, however, but enhances an appreciation for the untiring fortitude and faith of this small band of Christians who faced incredible obstacles in helping to establish a strong foundation for American freedoms. Particularly in a day when our liberties are under severe attack by ruthless terrorists, a study of the Pilgrims can renew hope and endurance in the midst of trial and inspire devotion to the Word of God, the book that governed their actions and sustained their faith. The following summation from the Mayflower Pilgrims expresses well the reason why their lives are worthy of emulation: “The Pilgrim story is essentially a story of conviction, born in persecution, developed in exile, and based upon the Bible” (p. 160).
Dr. Beale conducts the Mayflower Tour of England, Wales, and Holland on a regular basis.(...)

Enjoyable and Informative
Not just dry history but a very enjoyable read by an author who has researched, first hand, his subject. ... Read more

Book Description
This one-of-a-kind resource is the perfect giftbook for Presbyterian pastors and Christian educators to give to parents whose children are about to be or who have recently been baptized. The giftbook includes a baptismal certificate; questions and answers about baptism that reflect a Presbyterian and Reformed understanding of the sacrament; available space for families to store mementos of the child's baptism; and a host of suggestions for parents, families, and churches to celebrate baptism as a significant early step in the faith journey of children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

start here for your study of the New School
I feel a little bit like Goldlocks, i had 3 must write book reviews that i had promised myself to get done today, well it is 2AM the next day and before i can comfortably call it a day i ought to finish them.

Well, North's Crossed Fingers was just too conservative.
Weston's Presbyterian Pluralism was just too liberal.
At last, Marsden's Evangelical Mind and the NS Presbyterian Experience is just right.

First i really like Marsden's writings, clear, interesting, well research history. Careful objective analysis where he takes a position but doesn't seem to let it influence his studies unduely. I've this little list of good conservative Presbyterian historians that i can be sure i'll like reading their books: G. Marsden, David Wells, Mark Noll.

The book is his PhD thesis, perhaps a bit rewritten, but it reads much better than the majority of thesis i've read. At this point, i will be teaching a class on the history of American Presbyterianism and i think this book alone is my recommendation for advanced reading on the New School versus Old School split. It's good readable history, well organized, rememberable, simply the first in Marsden's long line of excellent books.

Second, what is it about?
From the preface- "is the Church's persistent tendency to embrace American nationalism and American middle-class mores in the name of Christianity".
and from page 2-"the transition from the theologically oriented and well-informed Calvinism characteristic of much of American Protestantism at the beginning of the nineteenth century to the nontheologically oriented and often poorly informed conservative Protestantism firmly established in middle class America by the end of the same century remains a remarkable aspect of American intellectual and ecclesiastical history."

These are really the two big themes of the book, how the second one happened, and trying to explain why the first started and is so persistent.
Other themes worth remembering are:
voluntary nature of the church in the wake of disestablishment after the Revolution of 1776.
New School as the theology of revivalism/experientialism/emotional appeal.
the moral failure of Protestantism to solve the moral problem of Southern slavery, because of its deference to Southern sentiments, and overwhelming desire to preserve unity.
the increased theological and denominational thought in the NS after separation as a result of struggling with a new set of issues.
Chapter 8 on the mediating theology of Henry B. Smith is the chapter i would recommend if you have the book in hand and wish to decide whether or not to read the whole thing. It contained perhaps 1/2 of the new insights for me from the whole book.
Chapters 9 and 10 are the crucial ones for understanding the confusion of church and nationalism, especially in the light of the Civil War.

So like Goldilocks said "this one is just right, and with that fell fast asleep on the little bear's bed".
If you have any interest in the topics outlined or church history in the 1800's this is my top recommendation for a starting point. ... Read more

Book Description
Now back in print, Studies in Southern Presbyterian Theology is a brief historical survey, followed by studies in the theological thought of various preachers and teachers of theology, with special emphasis on Scripture and election. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly flawed book, but interesting topic
This is a book I loved and hated.Its topic is wonderful and the scope and conception are great.It gives lots of detail on most all of the Southern Presbyterian theologians of Union (VA) and Columbia (SC/GA) seminaries.I appreciated Dr. Smith's sympathy for the figures he studies.His evangelical and Reformed commitments allow him to often see men like Dabney and Thornwell with great understanding.

This is a reprint of Dr. Smith's doctoral dissertation from Free University, Amsterdam.P&R has packaged it very nicely.

I don't know how I can possibly list all of the disappointing features of this book, however.The pickiest problem -- in 40 years nobody has bothered to catch all of the embarrassing factual errors in this text!For example, several pages are dedicated to William *Swain* Plumer (correct spelling *Swan*).There are literally dozens of these type of errors which undermine the credibility of the author.

Far more serious is the poor approach to history that Smith takes.He has a chip on his shoulder and this makes him look, well, silly.He goes to huge lengths to try to show that the Southern Presbyterians were superior to the Old Princetonians.The evidence he gathers on this is really very, very weak.

Further, he wants to argue that all the Southern Presbyterians were in lock-step agreement on full-subscription, no-exception belief in the Westminster Standards.Anybody who has spent any time at all reading them knows that this is not true.Yes, the major figures, at least, were all ardent Calvinists and did not waver on Biblical authority or the major doctrines.But they also reflected the diversity of any significant school of Reformed theology.Especially on secondary points of theology.Smith does not do these wonderful men a service by artifically restricting their very interesting theologies.

Another problem is that Smith seems to have gathered very poor information on some of the minor figures.But this does not stop him from making conclusions which he has not demonstrated.Smith will state things like this (I'm making this example up): *Dr. Jones taught at Union Seminary from 1902-04.He did not publish any articles.But we know he must have been an advocate of full subscription to the Westminster Confession and a 24-hour day creationist because he taught at Union.In addition, this author's uncle once took a course from him and commented that Dr. Jones was a fine conservative gentleman.*Give me a break!

Further, Dr. Smith lets his disgust for the Northern U.S. show every so often and this really doesn't help his case.

This book did help me gain some insight into Dr.Smith's attitude in his denominational politics.I can see where the extreme rigidity comes from when he seeks to supress good, solid, Calvinist zealots in his own denomination, simply because they may have one or two very small differences with the Westminster Confession.

Anyway, I did read this book cover-to-cover and even bought a second copy for my church office.I loved the topic, the orderliness of the book's arrangement, the Reformed theology, and the attractive packaging, but I found the scholarship to be extremely weak and the poor documentation to be very sad. ... Read more

Book Description
Throughout 2005-2006 various events have been and will be held to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination of women in the Presbyterian Church as ministers of the Word and Sacrament, as well as seventy-five years of their ordination as elders and one hundred years as deacons. In this collection of insightful essays, well-known women from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reflect on their personal journeys of ordination as church leaders. Contributors include Joanna M. Adams, Susan R. Andrews, Deborah Block, Cynthia M. Campbell, Marj Carpenter, Moon Young Choi, Melva Wilson Costen, Roberta Hestenes, Jane Parker Huber, Marian M. McClure, Ofelia Miriam Ortega, Jean Marie Peacock, Barbara A. Roche, and Letty M. Russell. This historically significant book is ideal for clergy, educators, and church leaders and is the perfect resource for church libraries. ... Read more

Book Description
This unique book provides a comprehensive, chronological anthology of the most essential documents on Presbyterian and Reformed church government, including many out-of-print selections and several new English translations.Beginning with the earliest testimonies to God's plan for church order and proceeding through the development of Western civilization, the thirty-nine entries in this volume detail the historical foundation of church polity. The editors have compiled a mini-library of the most biblical, the best historical, and the most classical theological articles--all of which help to illumine the important question: How does Scripture speak to the issue of church government? ... Read more

Book Description
This extensive reference work, hailed by the Journal of Religion as "a book long needed by historians of American religion", offers "a unique contribution to this often-told story by providing an in-depth analysis of seven persons intimately involved in the controversy" (Theology Today). 13 halftone illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A sad story, but not to be forgotten
I wish that every Christian in the United States would read this book. The story of the downfall of the Presbyterian Church USA is one of the most compelling cases for the practical importance of sound doctrine, and it comes through clearly in Longfield's account, even though he is not particularly sympathetic to the one character, Machen, who more clearly than any other saw the consequences of the perfidious doctrines of liberalism. Longfield tells the story primarily through short biographies of six of the most prominent figures of the controversy, which I think is helpful because it presents the family background as well as the theological roots of each of them. The book is also extensively documented.

No one should read this book without reading Machen's "Christianity and Liberalism" first, which is the classic statement of Biblical Christianity against liberalism. Longfield tells the story of Machen and his allies' fight for this Biblical Christianity. They fought both against the liberals and against the moderates who were mostly theologically conservative, but primarily by accident, since if their commitment to the historic doctrines of Christianity had sprung from a deep conviction of their truth they would have stood up for those convictions. As it was, they didn't care, and the battle was lost as a result.

It is very interesting to read Longfield's take on the current situation in the mainline denominations, as he is obviously not sympathetic theologically to conservatives, but concedes they were right in forseeing the inexorable consequences of jettisoning the historic doctrines of the faith. In the last paragraph of the book, he suggests that perhaps the church needs to "affirm a normative middle theological position with clear boundaries." One wonders where any such normativity or boundaries could even conceivably come from once it has already been decided that it will most certainly not come from the Bible as the normative revelation of God. The infinite morass of subjectivity to which religion then immediately descends does not seem likely to be balanced out by "affirming a normative middle theological position" that would necessarily be every bit as subjective as any other potential position.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely, and I think Longfield does a reasonable job of at least trying to be sympathetic to all sides. Obviously, when the sides are so fundamentally opposed ideologically it is impossible to be truly sympathetic to all sides, and I think the picture he paints of Machen is not altogether fair. For instance, he suggests that Machen's joy on the final split from the PCUSA was a joy over schism for its own sake, which is nonsense: if all Machen wanted was a split he wouldn't have had to fight for his life for twenty years to do that. His joy was due to finally being free from an apostate church. I also highly recommend listening to Prof. Godfrey's lecture after reading this book. It is available at an org site called radioapologia, and it balances this book brilliantly.

A Look At The Past Toward The Future
With the rise of the so called "emergent church" movement, we are beginning to see the seeds of the seeker movement coming to fruit.Liberalism has a new name, a new face, and a new title.But historically where did it come from?What laid the roots long before Bill Hybells or Rick Warren introduced the church to their deadly doctrines?

The answer lies in the early 20th century with the divisions seen in one of the United States oldest denominations, the Presbyterian Church.While the Presbyterians were not 100% united in the 19th century, there were basic tenets from the Westminister Confession that they held to.While they might disagree over immersion, infant baptism, and church polity, they each held the Westminister Confession and the Scriptures dear.

In the 20th century, the fruits of liberal teachings from Europe begin to seep into the Presbyterian churches.From Princeton to the average church, the Presbyterians found themselves in a battle over which direction they would take.In the end, the churches split with the liberals joining the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the conservatives joining the Presbyterian Church in Ameirca (PCA) and the Associate Reformed Presbyterians (ARP).But the battle continues.

With the rise of the emergent church, its good to learn from history.I fear that the emergent church is nothing more than liberalism with a new name.We can learn from what took place in the Presbyterian Church at the turn of the 19th century.We can learn to stand against error by staying true to the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-4:6).I pray that we will learn from the past and resist the errors of this age (1 Timothy 4:1-16).I highly recommend every disciple of Jesus to read this informative book.

A Diplomatic Attempt
Longfield attempts to fairly and finely balance the most pivotal denominational split of 20th century America.He does so by briefly biographing and documenting the interaction of the PCUSA's main players at that time.The documentation is excellent.The problems enter when Longfield interprets and implies motives.The main problem is Longfield succumbing to the whole problem Machen was fighting against in the modernist contrversy: historical consciousness.As a result the reader is not given an objective account.Machen is categorized as a fundementalist in the same category with William Jennings Bryan.Anyone familiar with Machen's intense new testement scholarship and political stances know otherwise.And to someone like myself who greatly admires Machen, such a depiction is borderline blasphemy.Machen was a brilliant and faithful standard bearer, not a demagogue or reactionary (as implied by fundementalist label).I recommend this book with serious reservations to discerning readers.'Toward a Sure Faith' by Chrisope serves as an excellent account setting the stage for Machen's latter battles.

Key insights for Mainline decline.
An insightful and enjoyable survey of the people and ideas which split the Presbyterian Church in the 1930s.Through careful research and a captivating style, Longfield studies indepth the main characters of theFundamentalist/Moderist controversary in the Presbyterian Church. Sympathetic to both sides, he shows how relaxing theological standardsbegan to blunt the church's ability to speak to its members and society. Important reading for anyone trying to discover the roots of decline inmainline churches in America today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How to spell Presbyterian
Concise, easy to read - one of the best I have seen in clarifying the mysteries of denominational liturgy/theology. Well worth the price! ... Read more

Book Description
In this witty, accessible, and concise book, theologian Doug Ottati argues that liberal Presbyterians and other liberal Protestants still have much to contribute to the contemporary world. Offering an alternative to evangelical and conservative thought that he believes now pervades the larger culture, Ottati presents what he sees as the foundations of liberal, theological thought. Writing out of the Reformed tradition and a theology of grace, he addresses current issues such as evangelism, the ordination of homosexuals, and the war on terrorism. Most important, the book is a call to liberal Presbyterians and other liberal Protestants to restate, rethink, and revise traditional theologies and beliefs in the face of contemporary knowledge and realities. This book is ideal for individual or group study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Here is the insight you need
In this postmodern area it is not satisfying to simply do something because it has always been done that way.There is tremendous value inunderstanding why the tradition exists.Douglas Ottati opens the windows and allows the reader to see the evolution of major Theological points and paradigms of worship within the Presbyterian Church. Well written, insightful and cogent.You can read it from cover to cover in less than 3 hours.Reading this book will enhance your participation in the worship experience in your Presbyterian Church.

A in-depth discussion of Presbyterian values in our complex and troubled world
Theology For Liberal Presbyterians And Other Endangered Species by Douglas F. Ottati (an Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA and the M. E. Pemberton Professor of Theology at Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia) is an knowledgeable, informative, and occasionally inspiring approach to the struggle encountered with living as a liberal in practice of Presbyterian and other Protestant churches. Accessibly presenting the foundation concepts of liberal theological thought, Theology For Liberal Presbyterians expertly explores and comprehensively addresses the issues of evangelism, the ordination of homosexuals, and the war on terrorism. Theology For Liberal Presbyterians is very highly recommended for all readers searching for a in-depth discussion of Presbyterian values in our complex and troubled world.
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Product Description
Manual for worship services and prayers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A surprise and disappointment
I thought I was ordering a paperback book for my church library's juvenile or perhaps youth collection.I received a pack of five thin pamphlets which would simply disappear on a library shelf.I brought up the record on Amazon again to learn how I had misunderstood this title.Again I found nothing which would clue me in that I had not ordered an actual book.I am very disappointed.

Great for visitors.
This is one of the best little booklets I have seen that introduces the inquirer to the faith and practices of the Presbyterian Church, USA.

This little book delves quickly into church history, church government, the sacraments and more.

I would suggest to any PCUSA congregation to purchase these booklets and have them on hand for visitors, inquirers and new member packets.

The only reason I didn't give this booklet 5 stars is each section needs a header to describe each section's content.Otherwise, well done Pat McGeachy and John Foster!

The only other comment I would make is that this booklet comes several in a packet.I would ask Amazon.com to clarify this on this product.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Like eating peanuts
This book is like an oversized bag of peanuts.You think you can just eat a few but then you find your hand going back in for more.You can read these concise articles a few at a time or in a long sitting but they always keeps calling you back. For a layperson, the theological explanations alone are worth the time.How else would someone know that suprelapsarians believepeople were chosen to be Elect or not even before God created the world?And in the historical realm, how else would we know that Aaron Burr's father was a Presbyterian minister? This book is not only informative but fun.

Ron Stockton

A must-have resourcefor pastors, elders, and active laity
This is a very good reference work.It contains a wealth of entries on a variety of people, topics, historical events, everything that the publisher describes.Best of all at the end of each article is a bibliography tohelp with further reading so you can search in-depth on an entry that thedictionary just gives an overview of.I read this entire book, butthat is not necessary if you just want it for reference.It is easy toaccess the material since it is in alphabetical dictionary format.Myonly wish is that it would contain more material about important twentiethcentury people in the Prebyterian and Reformed branch of Christianity.Forinstance, Robert Schuller is listed, but not D. James Kennedy.Perhaps ina few years as we look back, more twentieth century figures could beincluded in a future edition. ... Read more

Book Description
This is a historical study of the most influential and important Protestant group in Northern Ireland - the Ulster Presbyterians. Andrew R. Holmes argues that to understand Ulster Presbyterianism is to begin to understand the character of Ulster Protestantism more generally and the
relationship between religion and identity in present-day Northern Ireland. ... Read more