The Presbyterians - (Denominations in America) by John Fitzmier (Hardcover)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

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 Quotes

"Balmer and Fitzmier give us The Presbyterians in the rich diversity of their American family traditions. The lively narrative style will make this compact volume especially suitable for students and teachers in colleges and seminars."-Ronald C. White, Jr. The Huntington Library U.C.L.A.

"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

.,."Balmer and Fitzmier provide a commendable introduction to the role of Presbyterians in American life."-Journal of Church and State

"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

?. . . But attention to Presbyterian revival traditions, Presbyterian mission efforts, ambiguities in New Side/Old Side relations, and current ecumenical relationships make the narrative worth reading. The brief, accurate biographical sketches are very valuable. It is, certainly worth the reading.?-The Presbyterian Outlook

?...Balmer and Fitzmier provide a commendable introduction to the role of Presbyterians in American life.?-Journal of Church and State

?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

?Students will find this book a convenient starting point for research, and will be aided by the extensive bibliographic notes. Recommended for undergraduates.?-Choice

?The Presbyterians should be indispensable for any student of American religion who would understand the distinctive genius of one of this country's most influential American denominations.?-Church History

?This comprehensive survey describes the history of the Presbyterian Church in America and includes a biographical dictionary of its most influential figures. Part I is a narrative history of its European origins in terms of the role that Zwingli, Calvin, and Knox played in developing Reformed and Prebyterian theology. The spread of the movement in America was as dramatic as its European birth. Many Scots-Irish Presbyterians came to America in the early 1770s seeking economic opportunity and met with persecution as they moved south into Virginia, where the Church of England predominated. In the colonies, the Presbyterian Church disagreed over doctrine and, most decisively, slavery, eventually splitting into two factions. A final account is included on the involvement of the church in today's ecumenical movement. Part 2 features profiles of Presbyterian leaders like Weatherspoon, Finney, McGready, Hodge, and Warfield. The authors are non-Presbyterians but effectively capture the essential characteristics of the tradition. This is an indispensable research tool for anyone interested in American religious history. Recommended for academic and seminary collections.?-Library Journal

..."Balmer and Fitzmier provide a commendable introduction to the role of Presbyterians in American life."-Journal of Church and State

." . . But attention to Presbyterian revival traditions, Presbyterian mission efforts, ambiguities in New Side/Old Side relations, and current ecumenical relationships make the narrative worth reading. The brief, accurate biographical sketches are very valuable. It is, certainly worth the reading."-The Presbyterian Outlook

"Students will find this book a convenient starting point for research, and will be aided by the extensive bibliographic notes. Recommended for undergraduates."-Choice

"The Presbyterians should be indispensable for any student of American religion who would understand the distinctive genius of one of this country's most influential American denominations."-Church History

"This comprehensive survey describes the history of the Presbyterian Church in America and includes a biographical dictionary of its most influential figures. Part I is a narrative history of its European origins in terms of the role that Zwingli, Calvin, and Knox played in developing Reformed and Prebyterian theology. The spread of the movement in America was as dramatic as its European birth. Many Scots-Irish Presbyterians came to America in the early 1770s seeking economic opportunity and met with persecution as they moved south into Virginia, where the Church of England predominated. In the colonies, the Presbyterian Church disagreed over doctrine and, most decisively, slavery, eventually splitting into two factions. A final account is included on the involvement of the church in today's ecumenical movement. Part 2 features profiles of Presbyterian leaders like Weatherspoon, Finney, McGready, Hodge, and Warfield. The authors are non-Presbyterians but effectively capture the essential characteristics of the tradition. This is an indispensable research tool for anyone interested in American religious history. Recommended for academic and seminary collections."-Library Journal

About the Author

RANDALL BALMER is Professor of Religion at Barnard College, Columbia University. He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals and is the author of a A Perfect Babel of Confusion: Dutch Religion and English Culture in the Middle Colonies (1989) and Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory: A Journey into Evangelical Subculture in America (1989).

JOHN R. FITZMIER is Associate Dean of Vanderbilt University Divinity School. An authority on American religious history, his special interest include the separation of Church and State and Jonathan Edwards. He has contributed to several books, and his articles have appeared in journals such as the Religious Studies Review.