Protestantism (World Religions)

Brown, Stephen F.

ISBN 10: 1604131128 ISBN 13: 9781604131123

Publisher: Chelsea House Pub, 2009

Synopsis

This third edition explores the origins, customs and history of Protestantism from its beginnings in the Middle Ages to its role in today's world. It examines, within the tenets of the faith, topics such as new religious denominations; abortion; the ordination of gays and women and the relationship between religion and politics.

About this title

About the Author

Stephen F. Brown is chairperson of the theology department at Boston College. He has edited several volumes on medieval philosophy and theology, including Philosophical Writings by William Ockham and On Faith and Reason by St. Thomas Aquinas.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-Brown takes on the admittedly difficult task of trying to survey and summarize the sometimes-bewildering diversity within Protestantism. The introductory chapters touch on the spread of the religion around the world, its effects upon culture in general, and the biblical background common to most of its major branches. The following chapters trace the works of Protestant leaders; describe the major branches of the faith; detail the rites of passage observed by many believers; and, finally, provide a more in-depth look at the impact of Protestantism on society, especially in the United States. The broad outlines of Brown's narrative are solid and clearly laid out, in a fairly dry academic style, and are accompanied by photographs that complement and sometimes expand on the text. There are, however, several specific comments and details that are certain to draw complaints. Early on, for example, the author equates the Bible to "Christian Scriptures," a definition that will displease many Jews, and in a later chapter discussing the variance between Catholic and Protestant teachings, he writes, "-Catholics tend to focus on externals." Elsewhere he says that the Reformation principle of "always being reformed" "encourage(s) disagreement, renewal, and continual improvement." While it is obvious that many readers would agree with these assessments, it should be noted that such value judgments exist. Whether such comments are minor irritations in a generally sound treatment or serious problems rendering the book questionable is a decision that individual readers will have to make.
Coop Renner, Moreno Elementary School, El Paso, TX
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chelsea House Pub
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1604131128
• ISBN 13: 9781604131123
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 144
• Editor: O'Brien Joanne, Palmer Martin