American Originals: Homemade Varieties of Christianity Rating :
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful.
Religious scholarship at its best
By A Customer
This is a truly outstanding work in American religious history. Conkin delves deep into the historical surrounding these groups, yet never loses focus of the larger picture and the major themes that make each group distinctive. His chapter on Mormonism is particularly good; no other work sorts out the complicated events and themes of the Latter-day Saints with as much clarity and concision.
Believers should note this is a scholarly work, and deals with questions those inside the faith, in their modes of worship, do not consider. Conkin is very fair with these groups; those unhappy with this work should compare it to the hatchet jobs many professors of religion, or sectarian believers, do to those of other faiths.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful.Fascinating approach to American Christian denominations!
By Glen L. Loveland
I've been waiting for a book like this for a really long time. The book is fact filled, easy to read (for those new to religious concepts & sects) and informative. The author breaks the sects up so that we can better understand the denominations as a whole. The section on Apocalptic Christianity is one of the best. Many members of the sects discussed might be offended as it does point out inaccuracies or missteps within the sect. A great read!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.One of the best Books you can buy on American forms of Christianity!
By Problack
This book was very enlightening and truly gives you an objective review of the 6 major forms of non-traditional or non-mainstream Christianity that was formed in this country mostly in the 19th century. I do feel that the author should do a revision to this book since some information is dated especially when it comes to info on JW's and Mormons. However the book is very thoroughly research and shows great objectivity when considering each religion. I also believe people research the history of Christianity as a whole before judging any of these groups and their beliefs.
I believe no one should join any group unless they understand the basics:
- History
- Leadership figures
- Belief/Teachings
- Organizational structure
- Biblical accuracy
- Plan for salvation
Product Description
In a work of striking breadth and clarity, Paul Conkin offers an even-handed and in-depth look at the major American-made forms of Christianity—a diverse group of religious traditions, each of which reflects a significant break from western Christian orthodoxy.
Identifying six distinctive types, Conkin examines the major denominations representative of each original variety of American Christianity: restoration (Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ); humanistic (Unitarians, Universalists); apocalyptic (Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses); Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); spiritual (Christian Science, Unity); and ecstatic (Holiness and Pentecostal denominations). Focusing on the early years and maturation of these groups, he discusses their founders and leaders, origins and Old World roots, and essential doctrines and practices. Conkin closes each chapter with a guide to further reading.
The first comprehensive survey of these American originals, this book will serve as a valuable resource on a number of religious traditions whose members not only comprise a significant percentage of the American population but also make up an increasing proportion of Christian converts worldwide.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #486152 in Books
- Published on: 1997-09-22
- Released on: 1997-09-03
- Original language:English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.17" h x6.06" w x.94" l,1.20 pounds
- Binding: Paperback
- 354 pages
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