Broad in scope yet written from a well-defined perspective, this book provides a superb narrative survey of Christian churches, institutions, and interactions with culture in the United States and Canada from the colonial period to the present.One of the foremost authorities on the history of Christianity in North America, Mark Noll has intentionally made this history a comprehensive, balanced one-volume work: the book covers the great variety of Christian experience throughout all of North American history, sensitively encompassing the story of many contrasting groups and regions--elite and common people, whites and blacks, Catholics and Protestants, men and women, North and South. Adding a personal dimension to the narrative, numerous biographical profiles further enrich Noll's multifaceted exploration of major movements and events. From Library Journal Noll has written a very readable textbook. Though dealing with all denominations, it is centered on the rise and decline of Protestant dominance in the United States. Starting from colonial pluralism, Noll shows how Christianity was Americanized by the "great awakening," the Revolution, and other influences. Evangelical America, he says, began to erode during the Civil War and declined further under the influence of modernism and the social gospel. Examining various trends and leaders, Noll predicts that the 20th century will witness a return to pluralism. Though a little weak on the past 40 years, his book is an excellent overview of American church history. Space is given to minority influences, and hymns are used to show the common worshiper's viewpoint. Especially useful and unique is his section on the church in Canada, which provides great comparison value. Recommended for libraries needing a good, basic history of the American church.- C. Robert Nixon, MLS, Lafayette, Ind.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review The Journal of American History"An excellent study that will help historians appreciate the importance of Christianity in the history of the United States and Canada." About the Author Mark A. Noll is the Francis A. McAnaney Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Notre Dame. His other books include A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada, America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln, and Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity.
Broad in scope yet written from a well-defined perspective, this book provides a superb narrative survey of Christian churches, institutions, and interactions with culture in the United States and Canada from the colonial period to the present.One of the foremost authorities on the history of Christianity in North America, Mark Noll has intentionally made this history a comprehensive, balanced one-volume work: the book covers the great variety of Christian experience throughout all of North American history, sensitively encompassing the story of many contrasting groups and regions--elite and common people, whites and blacks, Catholics and Protestants, men and women, North and South. Adding a personal dimension to the narrative, numerous biographical profiles further enrich Noll's multifaceted exploration of major movements and events. From Library Journal Noll has written a very readable textbook. Though dealing with all denominations, it is centered on the rise and decline of Protestant dominance in the United States. Starting from colonial pluralism, Noll shows how Christianity was Americanized by the "great awakening," the Revolution, and other influences. Evangelical America, he says, began to erode during the Civil War and declined further under the influence of modernism and the social gospel. Examining various trends and leaders, Noll predicts that the 20th century will witness a return to pluralism. Though a little weak on the past 40 years, his book is an excellent overview of American church history. Space is given to minority influences, and hymns are used to show the common worshiper's viewpoint. Especially useful and unique is his section on the church in Canada, which provides great comparison value. Recommended for libraries needing a good, basic history of the American church.- C. Robert Nixon, MLS, Lafayette, Ind.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review The Journal of American History"An excellent study that will help historians appreciate the importance of Christianity in the history of the United States and Canada." About the Author Mark A. Noll is the Francis A. McAnaney Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Notre Dame. His other books include A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada, America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln, and Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity.
