Synopses & Reviews
This addition to the Denominations in America series surveys the history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and includes a biographical dictionary of its principal figures. The work begins with a narrative survey of the history of the Presbyterian tradition from its roots in Europe to its manifestations in contemporary America. The biographical dictionary that follows contains alphabetically arranged profiles of traditional clergymen, along with sketches of leaders who were instrumental in shaping the American Presbyterian tradition. The reference concludes with a chronology and an insightful bibliographic essay.
Review
Students will find this book a convenient starting point for research, and will be aided by the extensive bibliographic notes. Recommended for undergraduates.Choice
Review
This is a concise and lively account of the Presbyterian tradition in America. Balmer and Fitzmier explore its old world roots, and new world branchings, including the contribution to ecumenical discussions in the 20th century. The authors provide a manifestly useful introduction, a decidedly valuable summary.John F. Wilson Collord Professor Department of Religion Princeton University
Review
...Balmer and Fitzmier provide a commendable introduction to the role of Presbyterians in American life.Journal of Church and State
Review
Offers a sweeping history of Presbyterianism in America and a biographical dictionary of important Presbyterians. [The authors] bring their broad knowledge of general American religious history to bear on this work and overcome the pitfalls of earlier denominational historians by placing their particular subject matter in its larger cultural, intellectual, and theological context.Koinonia
Synopsis
A narrative overview of the Presbyterian Church in America, from its roots in Europe to its manifestations in contemporary America.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [257]-266) and index.
About the Author
RANDALL BALMER is Professor of Religion at Barnard College, Columbia University.JOHN R. FITZMIER is Associate Dean of Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
Table of Contents
Series Foreword
Preface
Part One: The Presbyterian Tradition in America
Reformed Theology and the Development of Presbyterianism
The Colonial Era
Northern Presbyterianism in the Nineteenth Century
Southern Presbyterianism in the Nineteenth Century
American Presbyterianism to the Mid-Twentieth Century
American Presbyterianism in an Ecumenical Age
Part Two: A Biographical Dictionary of Presbyterian Leaders
Abbreviations Used in This Volume
A Chronology of American Presbyterianism
Bibliographic Essay
Index