Our Family Album: The Unfinished Story of the Christian Reformed Church (Hardcover)

~ James C. Schaap (Author) "Not so very many years ago in the town where I live, an old woman died and, presumably, went to be with her Lord..." (more)
Key Phrases: headship principle, classis meeting, lodge membership, Van Raalte, Grand Rapids, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Intriguing stories and historical photos reveal a grand tradition of faith. Master storyteller James C. Schaap weaves a rich tapestry of insights into the past, present and future of the Christian Reformed Church.

"A born storyteller turns his eye on the church and describes its life with the relish of a lover. Deeply felt and vividly written, Our Family Album comes to us with the beauty of a revelation."--Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

About the Author

James C. Schaap teaches English and writing at Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa, and writes stories, books, and novels when he can squeeze in the time. He is proud to say he is a descendent of farmers, blacksmiths, and preachers, and the great-grandson of a professor at Calvin Preparatory School, Rev. Gerrit Hemkes.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 423 pages
• Publisher: Faith Alive Christian Resources (October 26, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562123610
• ISBN-13: 978-1562123611
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,783,192 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An honest, balanced history of the Christian Reformed Church, December 24, 1998

By A Customer

Schaap goes out of his way to provide a human, humane, and balanced portrait of the Christian Reformed Church, from its Dutch roots, through periods of schism and immigration, and on to the controversies of the 1990s. It's a warm, friendly portrait that doesn't gloss over divisive tendencies and perceived clannishness of this denomination founded by Dutch immigrants. As a student of Reformed church history, I find this volume incredibly accessibly, broad in scope, and a great help in understanding my people.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written popularized history of Christian Reformed C, March 5, 1999

By A Customer

James Schaap does the Christian Reformed Church - and any who would like to know her better - a wonderful service in this readable popularized history. From the opening you know Schaap loves the church, both his own denomination and the world-wide church. This is history from the inside, full of candor (sometimes uncomfortably so) and full of affection.