American Originals: Homemade Varieties of Christianity - Softcover

Conkin, Paul K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080784649X ISBN 13: 9780807846490

Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press, 1997

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description:

"With great skill, Paul Conkin . . . plows this fertile soil of religious novelty in America. . . . His careful 'reading guides' . . . are up to date and useful."-- Catholic Historical Review

About the Author:

Paul K. Conkin is Distinguished Professor of History at Vanderbilt University. His many books include The Uneasy Center: Reformed Christianity in Antebellum America.

About this edition

• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 080784649X
• ISBN 13: 9780807846490
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 360