A Trusted Introduction to the Church FathersThis concise introduction to the church fathers connects evangelical students and readers to twelve key figures from the early church. Bryan Litfin engages readers with actual people; not just abstract doctrines or impersonal events; to help them understand the fathers as spiritual ancestors in the faith. The first edition has been well received and widely used. This updated and revised edition adds chapters on Ephrem of Syria and Patrick of Ireland. The book requires no previous knowledge of the patristic period and includes original; easy-to-read translations that give a brief taste of each writer's thought.
#311891 in Books Douglas A Sweeney 2005-08-01 2005-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .47 x 5.50l; .66 #File Name: 080102658X208 pagesThe American Evangelical Story A History of the Movement
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. My Go-To for American Evangelical HistoryBy Mike F.This book was everything I'd wanted in an account of American evangelicalism. Comprehensive; yet concise. Opinionated; yet balanced. Critical; yet gracious. This was a captivating read; giving time and space to the theological intricacies underlying historical developments without ever getting off-track of the historical narrative. I especially enjoyed Sweeney's commitment to develop some of the less-acknowledged facets and corners of evangelicalism (namely the roles of women; minorities; and the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement).My only gripe with the book was that it didn't cover some of my personal interest areas (which were understandably outside Sweeney's scope; but could easily have been included); particularly the interaction and role of Canadian evangelicalism alongside American evangelicalism; as well as more recent developments in the evangelical landscape (the book does not venture much beyond Billy Graham; except to mention developments like the founding of the Vineyard movement).24 of 24 people found the following review helpful. Very Well Written!By Dr. Marc AxelrodI was very impressed with this book. Some of the other evangelical histories I've read (namely the ones by Mark Noll) have been very detailed; but not always interesting to read. Now; from the keyboard of Douglas Sweeney; we have a tight history of the evangelical movement that reads like a novel. He traces the origins of evangelicalism to the first Great Awakening in the 1730s. We learn of how Christians from different denominations banded together to support the revival preaching of men like George Whitefield; John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards.We also read about the more Arminian leanings of the 2nd Great Awakening in America; which spanned much of the 19th century and featured the thunderous preaching of Charles Finney and Francis Asbury.The role of female preachers in evangelicalism is discussed; namely Phoebe Palmer; and Aimee Semple Macpherson; who eventually founded the Foursquare Gospel Church.I also appreciated the discussion of black evangelicals and mourned with the author over the sad history of segregation and apathy between whites and blacks in the evangelical movement.There is also a chapter about the holiness and pentecostal movements; and the fissure that developed between neo-evangelicals and fudamentalists. Sweeny concludes with an epilogue about the uncertain future of the American Evangelical movement; including a brief glance at the major division with Southern Baptist circles.This is the best book I have come across on the American Evangelical movement and I heartily recommend it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. certainly a survey of American EvangelicalismBy Clayton SandersonSweeney presents here a very accessible survey on American Evangelicalism. I read the book in a day; so it is not overly scholarly. A few points...1. Sweeney's definition is certainly unique. A movement based in orthodox Christianity; with a Protestant view of the Gospel; with an 18th century twist. It is clear or see how he comes to this when you read his conclusion. He sees very little uniting "evangelicals" and has a sort of morbid hope for its future. He maintains that there is no room for confessionalism in evangelicalism.2. I greatly enjoyed his recounting of the history of the movement shaping the church; culture; missions; and so much more in America. This is why I say it is certainly a survey. It briefly describes the key contributors and events in the movement; but does not delve deeply into them. It makes me want to learn more...3. This brings me to one of the great strengths of the book. Every chapter ends with a reading list. Very useful.4. He does very little except in the 7th chapter to address evangelical core issues such as biblical inerrancy and the like. I was hoping for more thought on this.As a fundamental; Calvinist; Baptist (self defined); I can see where I clearly line up with the evangelical movement. This book helps me to see the beginning and root of many things that I believe. As I was hoping for slightly more theological discourse; I was slightly disappointed. But Sweeney is candid about the movement's triumphs and shortcomings. It is worth the read if you are evangelical or are curious as to its roots and contributions to American church and society.
