Customer Reviews

The Story of American Methodism

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Frederick Norwood's book was required reading in Seminary, and I still find myself going back to it, time and again, for information about the history of the MEC (Methodist Episcopal Church) and the UMC (United Methodist Church). This is not really the most exciting reading, and there are many topics that are more completely covered elsewhere, but as an overview of the denominational History of Methodists in the United States, this book does an excellent job.

Our Covenant Group at Church is reading Frederick Norwood's book, The Story of American Methodism.

We are enjoying this book very much. It's great reading, jammed with historical facts and information. Mr. Norwood shows how Methodism and our young nation grew (and expanded west) together, each influencing the other.

I recommend this book highly. When I began to read it, I couldn't put it down. I'm a lifelong Methodist and to read about our history - and how the 'pioneer' circuit riders - preachers - survived and sacrificed their lives in the wilderness - is a magnificent story that should be told. Every one of these Christians were real heroes. Our whole class is in awe of their holy work, devotion and passion for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We're all thankful to God for these men and women who built up the early church in America and nurturned its growth until present times.

You can see and feel the Holy Spirit's work throughout the book.

Mr. Norwood has done an outstanding job. Our group encourages others to read this astounding and amazing book about real people who accomplished much and overcame incredible odds in their lifetimes. A true inspirational read.

It should be a movie.

This book is really the only available resource covering American Methodism and since it was published in 1974 will soon fall about 40 years short of being current. It covers denominational history in detail, but could do a better job of relating events and trends in the Methodist church to events and trends in U.S. history. Even if this was done very briefly, it would help develop context. As mentioned in another review, the writing style is dry and dated. The editing can be irritating, for example, when the author refers to something like "the three denominations" but no where in the entire chapter does it specify which denominations he's discussing. This book gets 4 stars for information covered and about 2 stars for readability.

Bought this book at first from a local bookstore. Found it on Amazon at half the price. Bought from Amazon and returned the other copy.