Customer Reviews

Evangelism's First Modern Media Star: Reverend Bill Stidger

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This book is both informative and interesting. As much a history book as a book about religion. This is a personal account of a very famous man and the times in which he lived. The recognizable names of important people that came into his life are impressive, and the actual stories of the last fifty years of history are told with such detail, that it is like re-living those times. His sincere dedication to people of every faith, from every walk of life; and to his religion, comes out strongly in the story. Underlying this story of the church and its changes, is a personal testimony of his great love of family. The book is well written and describes this colorful personality with such clear detail that you feel as though you actually knew him, or at least wished that you had known him.

Captivating, well written, and extremely well-researched, this biography of one of the formative preachers of this century brilliantly blends biography and social history. This is not a religious book, but a story of one man seizing every opportunity to make the most of his life, to have "an adventure a day", to 'Zelig-like' be at "the center of immensities" of the issues and personalities of his day. Parallel to the story of this powerful and influential preacher is the story of Stidger's relationships to his fellow man, particularly the rich relationship that he sustained with his only daughter. A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK.

This book explores the place where religion and pop culture meet. It is an honest and revealing look at the search for the American Dream via the church. Bill Stidger was a man who truly put himself on the line for what he believed. But like anyone, he had his imperfections. Jack Hyland illuminates the humanity in all his subjects. His earnest and devoted writing exposes the complexities of religion, family, fame and success. A highly recommended book.

This is a marvelous volume. It is meticulously researched and lovingly written by Bill Stidger's grandson. The book tells the story of the evangelist who inspired Sinclair Lewis to write Elmer Gantry. It is fascinating to observe the birth of the relationship between the electronic media and religion that would give rise years later to people like Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. The book is also a study of innovation and marketing and publicity in the Church in the first half of the last century, a reality normally overshadowed by the work of people like Billy Sunday and Father Coughlin. It is also the story of a family and a nation and the impact of a national ministry upon them. All in all it is a great combination. I am always thrilled when I really enjoy a book and learn a lot from it.