21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent approach and content, March 11, 2000
This review is from: The Churches of Christ in the 20th Century: Homer Hailey's Personal Journey of Faith (Religion & American Culture) (Hardcover)
This is a must-read for anyone who desires to know more about the churches of Christ. Harrell objectively and thoroughly documents the ups and downs of Christians who populate these churches. He deftly wades through the troubled waters to unmask some of the motives and attitudes that have led to divisions.
I agree with David Alford that much of it is depressing, but at the end you are left with the knowledge that this is the only way it can be as long as local churches and individuals are determined to be independent of any kind of centralized oversight. Indeed, it is when Christians forget that commitment that trouble sets in.
Harrell's treatment of the subject is brilliant. By weaving in the story of Homer Hailey, he puts flesh on the barebones history of the churches. Hailey is a particulary good choice, having lived nearly all of the 20th century and reflecting many of the hopes, dreams and even contradictions of many of us. His love of the truth comes through.
If you are undenominational in your view of the church, the book will restore your belief that such is the only way and is God's way. Ultimately, it serves to put on display God's manifold wisdom in His design and purpose of the church.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The C of C in the Twentieth Century : review, March 2, 2000
This review is from: The Churches of Christ in the 20th Century: Homer Hailey's Personal Journey of Faith (Religion & American Culture) (Hardcover)
In my opinion, this book provided an honest and fair review of controversies and division within the churches of Christ in the last century. I found this discussion informative but depressing because of the overwhelming amount of controversy and also the apparent lack of compassion between brethren who are seeking the truth but failing to agree about it. I was glad to learn more about the contribution and character of men who lived through the controversies. About half of the book provided insight into Homer Hailey's life and work, from the beginning of his faith to his current retirement in Tucson. I am pleased to know more about Homer Hailey and also the other men who were mentioned throughout the book. The book made me appreciate more the efforts of the faithful spiritual soldiers who lived and fought during the last century. I am glad I bought this book to add to my very limited library.
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Poignant and Powerful, April 8, 2000
This review is from: The Churches of Christ in the 20th Century: Homer Hailey's Personal Journey of Faith (Religion & American Culture) (Hardcover)
Homer Hailey is my life-long friend and college professor. Dr Harrell's biography of him and the church of Christ in the 20th century was informative about many I know personally. I was honored that Harrell quoted my paper "Homer Haileyisms." The history given in the book will grab your attention if you want the background of church problems and the GOOD things in the church of Christ in the 20th century.
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