Customer Reviews

Theology in America: Christian Thought from the Age of the Puritans to the Civil War

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This text is monumental for many reasons. First, it is the most comprehensive text of its kind. 'Of its kind' merely means that there is no other text-at least that I am aware of-that covers, in as much detail the theological trends, movements, and groups, and individual thinkers/theologians in American historical theology. Second, the text is very well written, well documented, researched, and structured. This makes it easy for the reader to glean information and facts from its content.

Another excellent feature of this text is its examination of not only Protestant movements, groups, and thinkers, but Catholic movements, groups and thinkers as well.

Holifield begins his work with Calvinistic origins (focusing on Jonathan Edwards, and then moves into other groups such as Unitarians, Diests, Methodists, Baptists, Episcopal, and even Black theology. From here, Holifield discusses Lutherans, Catholics, Transcendentalists, several individual thinkers such as Horace Bushnell, and Isaac Hecker (transcendental Catholics).

Scattered throughout the text, Holifield describes how certain thinkers such as Kant and Hume, for example, had an impact on certain other thinkers and religious movements or groups. These 'tid bits' of extra history are very helpful for the reader to gain a better grasp of what was going on historically during certain movements, etc. As an added bonus, Holifield devotes an entire chapter to the affects of slavery in American religious history.

Overall, this is a great text for the person who wishes to gain greater insight into historical theology, Church history, and/or theological movements.

E. Brooks Holifield, though I have never met him, has been a writer-mentor ever since I read his early work, "A History of Pastoral Care in America." Holifield brings his same passionate precision to his latest book, "Theology in America." His humble title belies the depth of the book, yet at the same time communicates clearly the comprehensive task that he has undertaken. His subtitle says it all, "Christian Thought from the Age of the Puritans to the Civil War."

Holifield writes in a magesterial style, fitting for his topic. As Grant Wacker notes, it is "massively researched and elegantly crafted." The author leaves none of the proverbial stones unturned, as his control of his subject ranges from high church to low, from free white to enslaved black.

As with his study of American pastoral care, so here Holifield ably sees and shares themes and threads that others often miss. In particular, Holifield highlights the ever-existing tension between theological truth and practical relevance evident in the American theological pursuit. Thus the reader receives the big picture as well as the summary, the forest and the trees.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."

This work will be the standard text in the history of theology in America. Other books may attract attention through daring theses or unsubstantiated claims. Holifield's thorough examination of all relevant sources and his measured claims lift his text above the rest. Though some will find its intellectual angle parochial, the author makes no unwarranted arguments from theological text to social situation.

Holifield's book is simply outstanding. Granted, you do need some basic grounding in theology, philosophy and church history to really get into the text. But Holifield's theme of American Christian thinkers seeking to understand the relationship between reason and faith is extremely helpful. The dawning of America is intricately tied into the rise of the Enlightenment. As American Christianity develops, the leading theologians of the church must contend with challenges raised by modern rationalist thought. From the philosophical footwork of John Locke and Thomas Reid to the limitations of Baconian reasoning in dealing with the subject of slavery in biblical interpretation, Holifield weaves a very full and engaging intellectual historical narrative. Some of Holifield's subjects, such Jonathan Edwards, are fully involved in the Enlightenment struggle, whereas others retreat from the intellectual challenges of the modern era. Nevertheless, God's Kingdom marches on in all of its amazing (and, frankly, discouraging at times) diversity in the life of the church. Holifield's history is very thought provoking, and it really gives you a hunger to learn more. It deserves another read in the future, for sure!As an observation, I find it really incredible to realize that most modern Americans have very little exposure to the thoughts that are expressed in this book. For example, Thomas Reid is a central figure but most modern historical reflections on philosophy regard him as a point on the conservative fringe. With the exception of today's conservative Reformed Calvinists, you hardly find any mention of Jonathan Edwards, except for his "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" sermon in our public education (and even Christian private education). Many thanks go to Holifield for setting the historical record straight.

This is a masterful work--truly destined to be a classic. But readers should understand that this is not a book of "pop religion"; it's a meticulously researched academic book, designed for serious students of American history. And it's an outstanding one.

Theology in America is a fascinating read. Dr. Holifield illustrates the fragmentation and diverse thought of theology in antebellum America from its colonial beginnings until approximately 1850. Regarding the negative reviews, I would certainly agree that this is not light reading. However I would also absolutely disagree with the premise that the effort is not worth pursuing. For this book holds a lot of gems and like other precious jewels the discovery, while maybe a difficult undertaking, is definitely worth the effort.

One caveat should be stated: the style of writing assumes that the reader has a good understanding of church and theological history along with a basic knowledge of the popular philosophical schools of thought of the 17th and 18th centuries. Dr. Holifield writes with an erudite style with his primary academic audience in mind, therefore it is not meant for casual reading. With that notation given, the reader will have profited tremendously in their knowledge of the beginnings and maturation of American theology when they have completed the book. I certainly did. I plan on rereading it within the year to further solidify my understanding of antebellum theology.

E. Brooks Holifield at Emory University pays his Yale mentor, the late Sydney E. Ahlstrom, the supreme compliment of writing a book that takes American religious history studies miles further from Ahlstrom's landmark book of 1971. Many American religious histories are more sociological than historical, studies of histories, practices, and distinctions of religious bodies, most often mainstream Protestant. Holifield's book is pure intellectual history, extraordinarily researched and well-written. This is a dazzling achievement.

This is among the best scholarly works I've encountered in the course of a long academic career. It is both meticulously researched and beautifully written and it has quickly become one of the books that I reference most frequently in my work. Holifield has written the definitive book in his field and although those readers looking for a light and easy primer on theological history would best search elsewhere, those with serious interest in the American theological past will find no better book out there than this one.

This book is beautifully written, sweeping in scope, and meticulous in its thoughtful attention to detail. It belongs in the library of anyone who thinks seriously about the history of religious ideas in America. I learned a great deal from reading this book and recommend it highly.

Detailed and rich information in this book on Puritan thinkers, Universalists, and much more. This is important history on the foundation of American Christian faith. Very fun and useful to learn about.