As Protestantism expanded across the Atlantic world in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; most evangelists were not white Anglo-Americans; as scholars have long assumed; but members of the same groups that missionaries were trying to convert. Native Apostles offers one of the most significant untold stories in the history of early modern religious encounters; marshalling wide-ranging research to shed light on the crucial role of Native Americans; Africans; and black slaves in Protestant missionary work. The result is a pioneering view of religion’s spread through the colonial world.From New England to the Caribbean; the Carolinas to Africa; Iroquoia to India; Protestant missions relied on long-forgotten native evangelists; who often outnumbered their white counterparts. Their ability to tap into existing networks of kinship and translate between white missionaries and potential converts made them invaluable assets and potent middlemen. Though often poor and ostracized by both whites and their own people; these diverse evangelists worked to redefine Christianity and address the challenges of slavery; dispossession; and European settlement. Far from being advocates for empire; their position as cultural intermediaries gave native apostles unique opportunities to challenge colonialism; situate indigenous peoples within a longer history of Christian brotherhood; and harness scripture to secure a place for themselves and their followers.Native Apostles shows that John Eliot; Eleazar Wheelock; and other well-known Anglo-American missionaries must now share the historical stage with the black and Indian evangelists named Hiacoomes; Good Peter; Philip Quaque; John Quamine; and many more.
#818514 in Books 2012-10-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x 1.30 x 5.80l; 1.35 #File Name: 0674058275381 pages
Review
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful. The book we have all been waiting for!By K. SkillinFor those looking to bridge the gap between exciting; but not necessarily accurate; accounts of various exploits of the Marines; and the accurate; but dry histories of the Corps; this is it! Underdogs gives the story of the shaping of the modern Marine Corps in vivid detail with interesting analysis of the underlying causes. Fans of Marine Corps history as well as those looking to understand a culture that is mysterious to many should look to this book as the new baseline from which to start understanding America's most elite branch of the military.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. How The MArine Corps Survived After WW IIBy HarrystcThere is a moment described in the book when Sen Paul Douglas (D Ill.); the most liberal senator of his time; must make amends with Sen Joseph McCarthy (the original neo-con and communist outer). Douglas must shake Tail Gunner Joe's hand for a picture. Only loyalty to the Marine Corps could have brought these two disparate philosophies together. The result is the Marines stave off an effort by Pres. Eisenhower to limit them or indeed reduce their size and importance. Eisenhower was; of course; an Army man. There are amazing stories about the chowder Marines; generally younger officers who held civilian jobs as aids to various House and Senate elected people. The history of the politics; spin and ultimate survival of the Marine Corps is the heart of the book at it is a great read for anyone who has pondered the mission; role and modern history of the Marines. Though the author is a Marine Reserve officer; his objectivity seems faultless.My objectivity is not. I am a Marine; though I served on active duty for but two years (and long ago). Last year the Commandant of the Marine Corps ordered all Marines to be referred to as Marines and not former Marines. And that is how we all feel.This book is a great read with a fair balance of facts and historical background so the reader has a full understanding of the import and meaning of the results. If you like history post WW II; if you like military history; if you have ever wondered about the Marine Corps; this is a book for you.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Unprecedented authoritative cultural study does what "First to Fight" never couldBy Jacob H. HarrerO'Connell's cultural history of the modern Marine Corps takes great efforts to explain how the Marine Corps is the way it is today; giving historical and factual context to the mindset and functionality of the fiercely loyal and highly-celebrated fighting force. The scholarship contains many interesting anecdotes to reveal an objective look at how Marines perceived themselves in the past versus reality.Most intriguing to me was the story of Marine Corps public relations efforts and government networking during World War II and the Truman and Eisenhower administrations. The hyperaggressive; focused lobbying effort guaranteed the Marine Corps not only survived; but prospered and made significant gains during the armed services unification efforts.Much of the research is secondary; so O'Connell's many arguments need further qualification. However; it is a HUGE step in the right direction. Nothing like this has ever been attempted; and I believe no other book about the Marine Corps addresses the heart of the organization so thoroughly and objectively. If you want to know solid facts about the Marine Corps rather than the tall tales learned in boot camp; this book is for you.
