Product Description
A collection essays on the role of Christology from the perspective of the United Church of Christ, written by theologians from the denomination. The list of contributors includes: Lee Barrett, Gabriel Fackre, Deirdre King Hainsworth, Scott R. Paeth, Stephen G. Ray, Jr., Mary Schaller, Max L. Stackhouse, John H. Thomas, Theodore Louis Trost, and Lydia Veliko. ... Read more

Product Description
This new revised edition of a Disciples classic is an overview of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
In offering an overview of the church, this handbook provides concise information on Disciples heritage, thought, worship, mission, and structure, making it a valuable resource for both church members and members-to-be, and for those who simply want to know more about the church. The author illustrates his summaries of Disciples traditions with excerpts from Disciples documents and scripture, bringing a major American religious movement vividly to life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

HANDBOOK FOR TODAY'S DISCIPLES IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
This is an update of the 1980s book which I needed to replace.I had borrowed this book (first printing or so) and the paperback got salad dressing on it.Oh those church potlucks get a little feisty!!!The order came quickly as stated and in good condition ... no mixups in the order, either.It was the first time I have ordered via Amazon.com ... liked the format, ordering form, quick service, and of course, the good price. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Every Study of churches of Christ will build on this pivotal book
David Edwin Harrell, Jr. is truly a first rate scholar.For an unbiased and objective history of churches of Christ, this book is a must.Unlike that of Richard T. Hughes, Harrell is not hostile to the movement and therefore much more accurate in his coverage.Harrell has not reduced the churches of Christ to a Denomination among many denominations without a distinction.This is an accurate story of the attitudes and consequences (A title of one of Homer Hailey's books)among the movement which shaped its history.The movement is vividly illustrated by Harrell's coverage of the life of one of the great preachers, Homer Hailey.The reader will find that the book is difficult to put down as Harrell has made events and people come alive.All members of the church of Christ and those interested in religious history should read this book.

A Summary of Ed Harrell, Jr.: The churches of Christ in the 20th Century.
"The churches of Christ were riddled by dissension: indeed, the American restoration movement had always been a case study in controversy" (41).

How does one write a summary of a history text whose breadth and depth score almost a century of important facts?Harrell, who lives during much of the history he writes about, describes the two general themes that the reader can hitch along with through the tome.These themes are indeed means to understanding the facts and the analysis of history.These themes are: (1) the course of controversies of churches of Christ in the 20th century and (2) the telling of the life story of preacher Homer Hailey.

Through these, it is possible to understand much of what has happened and to notice that time is indeed flowing like a river and history repeats itself.The weaving of controversy and individual lives is perhaps the clearest and most concise summary of the book.Nevertheless, Harrell does aid the reader by breaking down the narrative into three well-researched and documented sections.The first and third sections deal more specifically with the life of Homer Hailey.The second section deals with the mainstream churches of Christ and their controversies.By now, it is clear that it is impossible to distinguish the church's history from its troubles, and vice versa.

Section 1: Homer Hailey and the Churches of Christ: Origins

The life story of Homer Hailey begins in humility and ends in humility.Hailey's exodus through cities and congregational meetings is a light that is cast through the world, showing pin-points of Christianity dotted all over the western and southern United States.It is fitting that Hailey's influence went beyond one region of the country, yet it is somewhat regrettable that those outside of the brotherhood do not have much of an understanding of who brother Hailey was and what he stood for.

Section 2: The Mainstream Churches of Christ: 1920-1999

When Harrell gives an overview of the splits in the 1890s and 1950s, he maintains his constant argument that both splits were similar in many respects and that history could repeat if men [. . .] continue wearing the mantle of the heroic yet destructive Foy E. Wallace, Jr. to the dismemberment of Christ's body.The presence of brotherhood magazines throughout these periods is also worthy of note.

Section 3: Homer Hailey and the Noninstitutional Churches of Christ: 1925-1999

If the previous section detailed the stormy environment, this section placed Hailey right in the center of the whirlwinds and those who would reap their bitter crops.

In Closing

While there most likely are superior historians with regard to ability, Harrell tells a remarkable story of pioneering brethren who came out in full swing into a new age with the same calling.

In the story, however, Harrell seems hokey at times by referring to himself as a character in the narrative in the third person-a device long since abandoned by autobiographers in the 19th century, for obvious reasons.However, the insertion of the historian's role in the unfolded history does achieve several goals: (1) to show that Harrell was a minor player in the events he witnessed, (2) to show that Harrell wants the appearance of full disclosure of the role he played in history, and (3) to show that even the most seemingly objective voice has a slight bias that must be formally acknowledged in the interest of fairness.

Because this is a highly personal book, Harrell presents Hailey in such a way that a truly objective historian might not be able to show.Harrell reveals much of Hailey's character as a result of how he weathers the storms of brotherhood dissension: "Hailey insisted: he went to a church in order to communicate the vital truths of the Scriptures" (376).May that be the goal of every modern gospel preacher, to have such integrity, strength of character, devotion, and apure desire to "stand in the pulpit."

A fascinating way to write a history
I have the good fortune to be the son of Rob Hailey, Homer's brother and boon companion for the first 20 years of his life. This book captures my uncle's life-long commitment to thought, reflection, and prayer, to teaching, preaching, and scholarship. (When I visited him a month before he died, he showed me files of current projects: research and writing of vital interest to himself and to his fellow believers.) My uncle's personal journey aside, Professor Harrell has found a fascinating way to write a history. Is history about events and ideas, or is it about individuals? Harrell gives us both. This book, regardless of its subject, models a method of inquiry that other writers of history should think about imitating.

A fascinating way to write a history
I have the good fortune to be the son of Rob Hailey, Homer's brother and boon companion for the first 20 years of his life.This book captures my uncle's life-long commitment to thought, reflection, and prayer, to teaching, preaching, and scholarship.(When I visited him a month before he died, he showed me files of current projects: research and writingof vital interest to himself and to his fellow believers.)My uncle's personal journey aside, Professor Harrell has found a fascinating way to write a history.Is history about events and ideas or is it about individuals?Harrell gives us both. This book, regardless of its subject, models a method of inquiry that other writers of history should imitate.

Not Just for Homer Hailey Fans
Ed Harrell does a masterful job of relating the amazing life of Homer Hailey, one of the most dedicated, humble, and influential preachers in the churches of Christ in the 20th century. If you were fortunate enough to know this man, you will be fascinated by the story of his life and career as preacher, teacher, and author.

But this book is far more than a biography of Homer Hailey. In the book, Harrell also makes a monumental contribution to the study of the history of the churches of Christ in the 20th century. After recounting Hailey's early life, Harrell sets aside Hailey's personal story and recounts in fascinating detail the issues and people that influenced the doctrinal positions and divisions of the heirs of the "restoration movement."Much of this 180-page middle section of the book is dedicated to the controversy over "institutionalism," the issue of building para-church organizations and "sponsoring church" arrangements with money pooled from various independent congregations. Harrell's analysis of this issue shows how social attitudes in the 1950s contributed to the impetus for the massive missionary and evangelistic schemes, television programs, etc., that became the focus of the controversy. There also are shorter sections on earlier controversies regarding pacifism and premillennialism, as well as more recent controversies regarding "discipling," the Holy Spirit, the quest for a "New Hermeneutic," and other issues.

After this very meaty middle section, Harrell returns to Hailey's early years as a preacher, his long tenures as a teacher at what are now Abilene Christian University and Florida College, and Hailey's Arizona retirement, when he wrote many of his books.

The middle section of this book is not for the faint of heart. Harrell's meticulously documented story of the controversies of the last 100 years within the churches of Christ reveals how all too frequently disputes and divisions within the fellowship were exacerbated by inflated egos, harsh words, and precipitous actions that, at least in retrospect, appear unbecoming of Christians. Still, as a member of this fellowship, I found the book encouraging. Through the life story of Homer Hailey, Harrell has preserved a wonderful example of a man who, through the grace of God, rose above his own difficult childhood and the combativeness of many of his peers to exemplify the true "servant" mentality fully demonstrated in Jesus Christ. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1859Original Publisher: Burns ... Read more

Product Description
This rich and challenging book explores the roots or ancestry of the Churches of Christ and others who stand as heirs to the Stone-Campbell movement of the early nineteenth century. It asks, 'Where did we come from? How did we get this way? Why do we read the Bible the way we do? What has been the heart of our movement?' And it asks further, 'What can we learn from those who have viewed restoration of apostolic Christianity in ways quite different from our own?' The authors begin their story in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries - the age of Renaissance and Reformation. They isolate the stream of restorationist thought that arose in that age and then follow that stream through the Puritans, the early Baptists in America, the frenzy of pure beginnings in the early decades of American nationhood, and down to the Stone-Campbell movement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fascinating!
This book holds the mirror up to Churches of Christ and allows us to see how we have been (and continue to be) influenced by the history and traditions that we tend to deny.As the authors claim, you cannot understand and, if desired, counteract the influence of tradition and history if you do not first admit those influences are present.This book illuminates a lot of blind spots for Churches of Christ and reminds us we are not the only ones with a restorationist vision.We can learn much from the successes and mistakes of those who preceeded us.

A very entertaining and balanced read.

Concise, to the point and easy to read!
This book gives a quick look at the major forces shaping the religious movement called the restoration movement and how the churches of Christ fit into the overall picture.Members of the churches of Christ (or anyonereally) can gain much from seeing the similarities and differences betweenthemselves and the men and women of the past who spent their lives askingmany of the same questions and came up with many of the same answers.Beinspired by people who gave their lives for truth, purity and theirconvictions. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive reference work on what Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) believe. Contains almost nine hundred doctrines and principles of the Church, supported by quotations from Church leaders. Used by Church Seminaries and Institutes world wide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Product! Great Service!
I am very happy with my purchase.I purchased atAmazon, but from an individual seller.It arrived as described, at a great price and sooner than I expected.Excellent seller!

Agree with above!
Just wanted to state that I agree with those above. Very handy tool, especially when looking for quotes for talks.

Handy Hand-Held Reference.
The soft-back version of this book is a handy hand-held reference book. The format is topical, with several quotes elaborating on the various headings. It is a rather straightforward topical study of the gospel. Brother Burton rotates the speakers. So unlike "Mormon Doctrine," the brainchild of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, it is not just one voice, but also many voices. He has quotes from all parts of this dispensation, and also includes citations from the scriptures, making the book complete and powerful.

Testimonial: A friend of mine who was a counselor at Especially For Youth (a youth summer camp like Vacation bible School), said that another one of the counselors used this book to help resolve the questions of one of the attendees. That makes it worth the bother of compiling and publishing.

This book is quite user friendly. I was really impressed with the cross-referencing of topics. The Savior "expounded all the scriptures in one" (3 Nephi 23:14), and this unity is key to understanding the gospel. I have been using it a lot since becoming an instructor in my church's Elder's class.

The cover is nice and attractive. The marble pattern makes the book look like a bank: solid, authoritative and assuring. The printing quality is good: there is no fading and I have yet to find a typo. I also like the cover font and design, which are appropriate with out being gaudy or garish.

The hardbound edition also comes with the book on CD-ROM, for easier access.

Excellent refer. book for writing talks, preparing lessons
An excellent reference book for writing talks, preparing lessons, or researching Gospel topics."We Believe" contains the writing of modern-day LDS prophets and apostles (as well as scriptures) organized by topic (such as Prayer, Revelation, Apostacy, Priesthood, etc.) ... Read more

Product Description
Whitney says that committed love must mark the local expression of the body of Christ. By putting spiritual disciplines into practice in the church, congregations can return to the depth of community present in the New Testament church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Corporate Spirituality
This is a solid book on corporate spirituality, exploring the dynamics of spiritual formation in the church through disciplines such as serving, giving, praying, attending ordinances, hearing the preached word, learning, fellowshipping, etc. Some chapters are better than others (the best chapters are the ones on worship and prayer and the final chapter which gives guidance on how to research a church before joining it), but all are worth reading. The book is sprinkled with some helpful illustrations and great quotations from the Puritan/Reformed tradition. This is a good follow-up to Whitney's more popular book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.

Excellent resource for Sunday School or Bible Study!
This is an ideal book for pastors and leaders who are looking for a resource for a new believer's or new member's study at a church. Dr. Whitney continues to challenge and equip biblically. If you have readSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life you will enjoy this work aswell. ... Read more

Product Description
Are Latter-day Saints Christian, or do they worship a different Jesus? In this engaging book based on the foundational Mormon documents, Robert Millet clearly explains why Latter-day Saints claim to be Christians and compares their understanding of Jesus with the views of traditional Christian believers.

A leading Mormon scholar who has spent much of his career in conversation with traditional Christians and their writings, Millet discusses what constitutes Christianity and examines how the Latter-day Saints fit or do not fit within that rubric. Intended to inform rather than to convince or persuade, A Different Jesus? clears away misconceptions and doctrinal distortions that characterize more polemical works about Mormonism. Millet points out the many beliefs that Latter-day Saints hold in common with traditional Christians, yet he also emphasizes differences where they exist.

A Different Jesus? initiates and will foster a significant dialogue between Latter-day Saints and traditional Christians. Of special value are a lengthy chapter that answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Mormonism, a glossary showing how key theological terms are defined by Latter-day Saints, and evangelical scholar Richard Mouw's foreword and afterword, which help set an agenda for future discussions between these rich religious traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Excellent Description of My Faith in Christ
I am a born-again Mormon, and I love this book. Millet does an excellent job of describing how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see Jesus Christ, what it means to us to have faith in him, and how we perceive that we are saved by his grace. He beautifully describes MY faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, God the Son, and my Savior and Redeemer.

This book is written with the intent to inform rather than to persuade. There is no proselyting in this book. It is simply a thorough description of who Christ is to the Latter-day Saints, what we believe about him and why.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who sincerely wants to understand how Mormons view Christ. They will come away well-informed, and with a deeper understanding of whether or how the Jesus we believe in is fundamentally "different" than the Jesus they believe in. Those who value increased understanding as indispensable to loving one's neighbor will enjoy this rich resource.

Solid, Thorough, and Accurate Examination
This is another fantastic work in a long line of Robert Millet's writings. In his traditional manner, the book is a solid, thorough, and accurate examination of the subject. It is also written in a user-friendly and insightful way. Definitely "five stars" from me.

An unanswerable vindication of LDS Christology/soteriology
I wish to direct the attention of all readers to the inane drivel spewed so copiously forth by the scandal-mongering, agenda-driven reviewers who assigned a one- or two-star rating to this book. I would have all consider not only the dearth of quotations from the actual book in such negative reviews, but the dishonestly partial use of what few quotations were presented.

Straining at the merest gnats, these casuistic, camel-swallowing detractors reveal a spirit that could as easily be turned from an assault on Mormonism to an open attack on the Bible itself.

Objection is made against the author's conception of Jesus as the firstborn of our Father in Heaven. And yet this doctrine finds support at once in the New Testament (Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15) and, to those attuned to the Spirit of Truth, the Old (Numbers 18:15). Indeed, no one can claim membership in the body of Christ who denies His status as the firstborn (see Hebrews 12:23), and thus these critics in their purblind zeal reject even the very Christ.

Objection is also made against the author's identification of Jesus as a Brother. Here again we find LDS doctrine vindicated in full by no less a text than the Bible (Matthew 25:40, Matthew 28:10, John 20:17). Surely it could not be otherwise, as our Heavenly Father is designated "the Father of spirits" (Hebrews 12:9), and Jesus was as much as spirit as any other being created in God's image, so that the author of the epistle to the Hebrews is in his rights to place a clear distinction between Jesus and the Father (Hebrews 1:5).

Objection is also raised against the LDS doctrine of a Trinity composed of united but distinct Personages. Yet, to anyone possessed of common sense, a reading of Mark 1:11 is enough to show the soundness of such a doctrine. Only a man set on a belief that Christ was a ventriloquist par excellence could think otherwise after reading that passage. John, indeed, makes plain how the oneness of the Trinity is to be interpreted (John 17:11). Those who conceive of the Trinity as one indivisible substance would have no difficulty conceiving the same of Adam and Eve who were made "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Without any question, too, the vision splendid which was revealed to Stephen puts to utter silence any further controversy on the question of whether or not Jesus and His Father are one undivided substance (Acts 7:55-56).

Finally, objection is foolishly raised against the origins of Mormonism as being aberrant from the origins of primitive Christianity. Nothing could be further from the gospel truth. Jesus revealed Himself to men whom He would choose as Apostles and Prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11).

On all essential points, these lower-than-pond-scum wastrels who vilify the presentation of Mormon doctrine in this books stand at variance with the most biblical truths. We are therefore justified in dismissing once and for all Michael Lima's horribly wayward, grossly inaccurate assertion that "without accepting the central premise that Mormonism's sacred texts are divinely inspired, one will end up understanding how Millet gets to his beliefs without comprehending how he could think such beliefs are true." We are justified, as well, in casting aside Cooper Abram's asinine quip that "it is the Bible, not the BOM, D&C, or POGP that truthfully and accurately reveals to us who is God our Creator."

All of this is, of course, to say nothing of those so lost to decency that they do not draw the line at misattributing quotations to Brigham Young. K. Manning, who would fancy himself a "history buff," identifies Young as the source of the quotation, "As man now is, god once was; as god now is, man may yet become." But, in point of fact, it was Lorenzo Snow, and not Brigham Young, who gave this (non-canonical) utterance.

Let us have the matter clear: All negative reviews given of this book are worthless; totally, utterly, and completely.

Building Bridges?
This book, unfortunately highly controversial in some Protestant circles, is the product of the friendship of Robert Millet, who teaches ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, and Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Its publication clearly marks a significant advance in the relationship of evangelicals and Latter-day Saints. In the past all that was available in Protestant bookstores was the badly informed, highly polemical literature written by the partisan anti-Mormon element of the countercult industry.

Without realizing it, those who have turned to this literature for an understanding of the Church of Jesus Christ have done something analogous to consulting Nazi propaganda for an understanding of the faith of Jews or to old Communist propaganda for an understanding of American life and culture.

Latter-day Saints can also benefit from giving careful attention to Millet's presentation of their faith to Protestants. If there is a weakness in Millet's book, it stems from his inattention to the historical elements in the faith of the Saints and thus his inattention to the sophisticated literature on the historical authenticity of the Book of Mormon.

Sorting out theological issues for evangelicals, as useful as that is, still leaves the crucial truth questions bracketed. However, by publishing Millet's book, Eerdmans, a leading evangelical press, has now made available in Protestant bookstores a sound, nonpolemical presentation of the fundamentals of the faith of the Saints.

Latter-day Saints are part of the Christian community--
I also recommend _Claiming Christ: A Mormon-Evangelical Debate_ by Robert L. Millet and Gerald R. McDermott.

Pastor McDermott, who is a Lutheran pastor and college professor has concluded after careful study that, "Evangelicals and Mormons agree on lots of things about Jesus. Many evangelicals are surprised to learn, for example, that Mormons believe not only that Jesus is the Son of God but also that he is God the Son. I find that many evangelicals have somewhere picked up the idea that Mormons deny the deity of Jesus Christ. They are often amazed to learn that, unlike Jehovah's Witnesses and other groups they typically classify as "cults," which do indeed deny the deity of Christ, Mormons declare emphatically that Jesus was and is incarnate God. ... I have to say that evangelical agreement with [Mormons] on Jesus is significant and, when compared to a history of evangelical denunciations of Mormonism, remarkable."(pg. 63,64) ... Read more

Product Description
This sweeping book tells the story of Calvinism’s origins, expansion, and impact across Europe from the upheavals of the early Reformation to the end of the seventeenth century. The faith’s fundamental doctrines, diverse ecclesiastical institutions, and significant consequences for lived experience are all explored, revealing the ongoing interplay between a dynamic religious tradition and the worlds in which it took root.

“This is a rare and great achievement: a broad survey . . . that is at once a gripping narrative and a fresh interpretation of the subject, as masterful with the small details as with the big picture.” —Carlos Eire, Yale University

•Winner of the Philip Schaff Prize of the American Society for Church History
•Winner of the Phyllis Goodhart Gordan Best Book Prize of the Renaissance Society of America for 2004

Philip Benedict is William Prescott and Annie McClelland Smith Professor of History and Religion at Brown University.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Subtitle is a Bit Misleading.
Thankfully, this book is not social history in the sense that it is concerned with lots of numbers and the lives of non-elites.Instead, Philip Benedict's Christ's Churches Purely Reformed is a magnificent survey of the Reformed movement in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.In this work, Benedict discusses both how the movement shaped Europe and how Europe shaped the Reformed movement.The book focuses not only on the main actors and thinkers of this time, but also shows how Reformed thinking affected the everyday lives of those living in the lands in which it took hold.

A reoccurring theme of Christ's Churches Purely Reformed is that Reformed thought is not monolithic.Benedict interestingly asserts that because Reformed thought allowed for a diversity of ecclesiologies, the central ideas disseminated more effectively.This unity among diversity allowed for the various churches in Switzerland, Britain, and France to all claim the same tradition, but have very different manifestations.Notably, the Presbyterian-synod system, which most Reformed churches would later adopt, was developed in France.Thus, from the beginning Reformed theology and ecclesiology was a work in progress.Benedict's discussion of this evolution of the Reformed traditional was helpful because it corrects the myth common among many Reformed denominations that their version of Reformed ecclesiology and manners sprung full-formed from the head of Calvin.However, Benedict notes that even though the differences were often strong, a sense of solidarity and commonality of tradition united the various national churches."Although the very term Reformed church was infused with ambiguities around 1600, the sense of fellowship and solidarity among these churches was powerful" (291).Most notably, these churches were willing to take communion with one another, the true witness to perceived Christian unity.

Benedict's thoughtful critiques of democracy and capitalism's origins in Calvinism were the high points of this book.Without being dogmatic, Benedict calls into question the supposed connections between these ideologies and the theology.Speaking specifically of Weber's thesis, Benedict writes, "His ideas exaggerate the extent to which they characterized the faith as a whole and attribute them too simply to a single cause" (541).Ultimately he concludes that while one can draw superficial and common-sensical parallels, the evidence for placing democracy and capitalism at the feet of Calvinism is very weak.In fact, Benedict notes that many of the characteristics of the Calvinist mind, which would lead to democracy or capitalism, were also present in the minds of Europeans not engaged in Reformed worship.However, Benedict honestly admits that many of his findings regarding the sociological impact of Calvinism "are more tentative and more likely to be revised by future research" than his historical chronology (432).

In this work, Benedict attempts to strike a scholarly balance between not overemphasizing the importance of the Reformed tradition in Western thought and acknowledging its contribution. He writes, "If the fatal flaw of theories crediting Calvinism with distinctive consequences for economic behavior or political development is that they exaggerate the spillover effects of religious doctrine outside the religious domain, the great shortcoming of the recent emphasis on the parallel consequences of the Lutheran, Reformed, and Catholic Reformations is that it downplays each faith's distinctiveness within the domain of culture and religious life" (544).On the whole, Christ's Churches Purely Reformed is a scholarly contribution which may bring a sense of balance to the field. ... Read more

Product Description
From the Preface: 'Did Churches of Christ really begin as a unity movement? Why didn't I know that?'

'You mean we used to be called Disciples of Christ? I thought that was just another denomination.'

'Churches of Christ today believe and practice the same things we have from the beginning, don't we?'

Statements like these by members of Churches of Christ reflect a serious lack of knowledge of our past and an increasing desire by many to know more of their heritage. This desire has led us to believe there is a need for a brief account of the history of Churches of Christ. This book hopes to serve newcomers and even long-time members of the church by giving them insights into our heritage. It also is an introduction to this significant group of churches for those unfamiliar with its place in American Christianity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent Introduction to the Stone-Campbell Restoration and the Churches of Christ
This is a fantastic introduction to the historical development of the churches of Christ from the underlying restorationism in late 18th and early 19th century Protestantism to the launch and ultimate union of the Stone and Campbell movements through the development of the Disciples of Christ, the 1906(ish) schism of the churches of Christ, through the 20th century divisions into mainline, progressive, and noninstitutional congregations. As the title expresses, it is indeed concise; inf act, it is more of an historical essay than a history, though the authors provide ample references for further, in-depth study.

Many of us with spiritual roots in the Restoration have lost sight of, even intentionally deemphasized the importance of, our own historical heritage. The authors give a fine introduction to that history, all in the context of building a case that those with Restoration roots should recognize that the story of our faith is a story of living, continuing communities of the people of God, not merely of ideas in a book. They further make an excellent case for returning to the ideal of restoring unity to Christians throughout all denominations, as opposed to the frequently prevalent, though patently untenable, myth of the churches of Christ as the only Christians, members of the one true Church restored to earth in the 19th century.

In the introductory material, the authors treat of the early and medieval Church in a fashion that is over-simplified near the point of naivete, but since this is not the main focus of the book nor is there space to delve deeper, this can be easily forgiven.

I highly recommend this work for anyone with either current or past roots in the churches of Christ, independent Christian Churches, or Disciples of Christ.

(The reviewer is a Catholic raised in the anti-institutional churches of Christ with family roots in the churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ going back to at least the early post-Civil War era, prior to the CofC/DofC schism.)

Shallow Research
This book is more of a position paper than a history book.There are many points in this book that become suspect with a deeper review of American history from 1849 to 1925.America was transforming during a time of civil war, yellow journalism, the Spanish American war, a presidential assasination, the growth of a progressive political movement, World War I, and a depression just to name a few.However, the authors point to the Civil War and the use of an instument during "worship" as the most logical reason churches from the north and south split.No mention is made of the rise of the Social Gospel movement beginning in 1988 and how it caused many religious organizations to seperate into more fundamental or more progressive groups.There is more evidence that the split spoke of in this book was more of a result of the "Social Gospel" movement.Do your own research and decide for yourself.

Challenges the Reader to Rethink Culturally Accepted Views
About the 2006 edition: Good general history of the Church of Christ side of the Restoration Movement that challenges the readers to rethink "doctrines" that have been culturally influenced.However, there are some disadvantages. Its brief overview of the Early Church to the Protestant Reformation classically blames political government only rather than church leaders for the church's direction. It also doesn't admit the likelihood that the time gap between the First Century Church and the present requires a different outlook on the Second Coming but instead criticizes the movement's founders for holding "different" views.

Renewing God's People: A Concise History of Churches of Christ
I ordered this book in mid November and never received it; however, my credit card was debited so I know the ordered the shipper.This will be the last time I order a book not shipped from Amazon.

Renewing God's People
"Did Churches of Christ really begin as a unity movement? Why didn't I know that?"
"You mean we used to be called Disciples of Christ? I thought that was just another denomination."
"Churches of Christ today believe and practice the same things we have from the beginning, don't we?"

Statements like these by members of the Churches of Christ reflect a serious lack of knowledge of our past and an increasing desire by many to know more of their heritage. That desire has led us to believe there is a need for a brief account of the history of Churces of Christ. This book hopes to serve newcomers and even long-time members of the church by giving them insights into our heritage. It also is an introduction to this significant group of churches for those unfamiliar with its place in American Christianity.

However, any attempt to look at one's spiritual ancestry is as pleasurable and painful as examining ones family tree. Some ancestors and family stories make us swell with pride; others we would just as soon forget. We are two insiders to Churches of Christ writing with a deep appreciation for those who have gone before us. We would in no way bash the church of our mothers and fathers. But as honest historians, we must present our story as we see it, "warts and all."
--- excerpt from book's Preface ... Read more

Product Description
DVD SET! PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE DVD SET, REGION 1 ENCODED (THERE IS NO UPC ON IT, SO IT COULD NOT BE LISTED IN DVDS, SO PUT IT IN AUDIO CDS--BUT THIS IS THE SET OF DVDS FOR THE LDS CONFERENCE). FORMAT DVD. The five DVDs contain the talks and music from each session of conference, with voice-over available in 15 languages. English subtitles and closed captions are also available. Talks are from LDS Church Notables such as: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust, Elder Russell M. Nelson, Elder David E. Sorensen, Elder Robert D. Hales, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Elder Henry B. Eyring (not a Counselor to the Prophet), Elder L. Tom Perry, Elder David B. Haight, Bishop H. David Burton, Susan W. Tanner, and many more. DVDs also include the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Some of the songs featured are: "Where Love Is", "Come Unto Him", "Arise, O God, and Shine", "Guide Us, O Thous Great Jehovah", "Hark, All Ye Nations", "He Sent His Son", and many more. A nice booklet is enclosed featuring the various languages, schedule, and index to speakers. Nice and inspirational set of material. Priesthood, Relief Society, and all are covered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Awesome!
I cannot exclaim enough praise for this book!Not only does it perfectly describe and explain the operations of the ICC, but it also gives great comfort to those who are still struggling with its trauma!When you read this book, you think "Oh, they do that to everybody, so it's not me, it's them!".(But remember, they don't actually do that to everybody - they have a chosen few who don't get the abuse; otherwise, there would eventually be no members left - that's why there are members who have been there for many years.)

This review is for this particular book, not the ICC.Therefore, I will keep this review focused on the book and not the ICC.

My favorite part of the book is the real-life case stories that are used as examples.They bring to life the techniques of abuse and harrassment that are used.They also bring a lot of encouragement to those still struggling.

This book is perfect for people who are still trying to get rid of junk from the ICC.Trauma can take many years to resolve.As the book indicates, there are not a lot of psychologists or counselors who are trained or experienced with helping people with this type of trauma.That's another reason this book is so good - it acts as a "counselor" just by reading it - it really can help a lot.

Great Book on the Boston Movement
I am an avid reader of works both for and against the Boston Movement (or International Churches of Christ).The ICC is one of the fastest growing movements in the world starting with only 30 in 1979 to over 200,000 today.Led by Kip McKean and the Los Angeles Church of Christ, it is a powerful force to be reckoned with.

This book exposes the trouble that legalism brings.Those who are seeking to save themselves and justify themselves before God (Romans 3:22-27) will find life a struggle.Freedom is just a word used in "Christian" language but seldom have I met ICC people who are truly free in Jesus (Gal. 5:1, 13).

This book will help you to see what is like to be a disciple in the International Churches of Christ.If you are in the movement, know someone who is, or you are just curious about the ICC, this book will be an eye opener at mind control and legalism.Jesus brings freedom from sin through His grace (Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10) but those in this book were introduced to religion of men (Mark 7:1-8).

If you are a true Christian than you will praise God for His mercy and grace when you are done with this book (Romans 4:5).If you are not a Christian, I would encourage you to read this along with the book of Romans and ask God to reveal His righteousness and salvation to you (Romans 10:4).

A perfect book for all "Fall Aways" !
Unfortunately, I am an EX-ICC member.Though my involvement with this group was short in comparison to many ohters, I was able to expereince many abuses.Many may be quick to judge this book by lack of biblical contentbut we all need to remember that this book acts as affirmation to certainpractices widely demonstrated throughout this cult.Many ex-members do nothave a support network because most people can't understand the isolationone feels as they exit the ICC.The only wise words I can offer to any onewho has left the ICC, or knows someone who has, "Fall Away" isthe last lable you will ever become, and that lable is the most detrimentalto overcome.

Very good help for those with loved ones in the ICC
This book on the History of the Boston Movement, now known as the International Churches of Christ, gave me the information I needed to help me understand just what was happening to my daughter as she was recuitedand subsequently controled by this destructive group.Necessary reading.

The facts are to hard to refute
After being part of the ICOC via Sydney, I thought it was just me who was wrong.After reading this book, my views and opinions have changed dramatically.This doesn't discount the fact that I feel guilty everyday. Something which the book explains very effectively in regards to MindControl methods.Important reading for anyone who is associated with thismovement in ANY WAY! ... Read more

Product Description
'In general, this book is about attitudes and postures, about the big picture.... We want to suggest ways we can focus our conversations on the core issues that drive our faith and practice and which can transform both what we discuss and how we discuss it. Moreover, we want to equip leaders with ways of dealing with conflict and looking at Scripture that reflect the crux of the Christian faith.' - From the Introduction ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Theology that sounds good, but just doesn't cut it.
[...]My continued thoughts:
It is interesting that many books that are designed to help us "weather the storm" today quote from Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone as authoritative.These authors quote from these two brothers, citing them as the "founders" of Christ's church.I would remind all Christians that Jesus founded his church, not Stone or Campbell.The church of Christ is not a denomination - the church of Christ includes every single Christian throughout history.You see, the term "church of Christ" is not a title, but a designation of relationship.When men believed and responded to the Gospel in Acts 2, they were "added to the church" by the Lord, not by a man's "church roll book" (cf. Acts 2:41).There's no difference in saying "the church of Christ," or "Christ's church," or "the assembly of the blood-bought, purified, sanctified, which has been translated into the Kingdom of the Son of His love" (cf. Colossians 1:13)Just one takes up more space on a marquee sign than another.I admit that there are men who consider themselves members of the Church of Christ, rather that the church of Christ.When they say "Church of Christ," they mean the Church of Christ [denomination] in contradistinction to the Baptist denomination, or the Presbyterian Denomination, etc., ad nauseum.This is a flawed understanding of the Scripture's teaching, though, on the Body of Christ.Ephesians 4 tells us that there is but one body, not many bodies, and that Christ is the head of that body.When you understand the body concept, you cannot call yourself a member of the Church of Christ and think that it means anything.There isn't a Church of Christ Room and Catholic Room and a Episcopalian Room up in Heaven; there is but a place for Christians.All men who are members of the church of Christ will be there; however, not necessarily everyman who counts himself a member of the Church of Christ will make a showing in Heaven.

This, then, begs the question - what does it take to become a member of the church of Christ.The saved are the church and the church is the saved, so the answer fits for both.Now, go get your Bible (seriously, go get it.How can you expect to judge books about the Bible if you won't compare them to Bible itself?OK, now that you have it, look at Acts2).Let us, then, look at Acts 2 again and see how these Jewish men went from condemned Messiah-murderers to being "added to the church."Peter preached (i.e.., they heard the message).They believed his message that they were guilty sinners and this had separated them from Jehovah.Their desire unto repentance is shown in their distress over what they had done and their cry to Peter for a solution to their problem.Peter spells it out for them in 2:38f, saying, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself" (ESV).Everyone whom God calls to come to Him will come this way, via this promise, through repentance and immersion, according to the authority of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness/remission of his sins.That's what God's promise was.... but wait a sec', I thought _JESUS_ was the "only way to the Father" (cf. John 14:6).Yes, that is true.In John 3:5 Jesus says that new birth, though water and spirit, is the only way to Heaven (because it is the way that He taught).Also, in Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus reminds His apostles that He has "all authority on heaven and on earth," and "therefore," they should "go," and 1) "make disciples of all ethnic groups" and, consequently, 2) baptize them into the possession of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit ...In Matthew Jesus gives the order to baptize believers in him so that they will become his possession and in Acts that's just what Peter does, he cites Jesus' authority in commanding baptism.It is upon baptism, after discipleship, that salvation occurs, it is then that we become His, it is then that are sins are forgiven.When someone has done this, in good faith, it is counted as righteousness (Romans 4:5).

Why is this man now saved?Because he did not trust himself for his salvation, because he did not trust in any pastor or preacher to "add his name to the roll," but he trusted in God to save him.Immersion is nothing to earn salvation, as it's only physical value _might_ be taking some dirt off your body (cf. I Peter 3:21).Immersion is Jesus' way, immersion is the apostles' way -- repentance and immersion unto the remission of our sins must be our way.

For those of you who have followed Jesus' [only] way, I'll see you in Heaven one of these days.If you have questions about this, though, please feel free to email me (ledsi@cox.net) and we'll talk about it.I'm interested in sharing the Gospel, and the Gospel is that Jesus died on our behalf to satisfy the justice of God, the promise of this salvation is to you and me and once we have it we can walk in the light, basking in the grace and mercy of God.And as we walk, he is faithful to that promise and the blood of his son continually cleanses us from our sin, because of our fellowship (relationship) with God as His people, a relationship we gained at our immersion.

I don't want to be immersed into Alexander Campbell's church, or John Wesley's, or Martin Luther's.I want to be immersed into Jesus' church, the church of Christ.

Great for Church of Christ "lifers"
I'm writing this review with 20 years of direct experience with the target audience of this book.That is, the Church of Christ "lifer", the person who was born and raised in the body of churches known as the non-instrumental Churches of Christ.This person's family history likely goes back several generations with the Churches of Christ.

This person has a lot of his/her worth as a Christian based on being part of the "heritage" of the "restoration movement".And that means being a Christian within the non-instrumental Churches of Christ.

This book is about helping these people deal with change.In particular, changes within the Churches of Christ.Apparently in decades past it was possible to walk into a Church of Christ anywhere in America and know what to expect, like ordering a hamburger at McDonalds.But things are changing now, and many in the Churches of Christ are becoming disoriented by these changes and the increasing diversity among Church of Christ congregations.

To deal with this, the author focuses the reader on the core of the Gospel and what it means to be a Chirstian.He does a great job of this throughout most of this book.The idea being that diversity is not necessarily bad as long as we focus on the crux of Christianity. Then we can be different and all get along.Sounds great to me!

Though a great read, I gave this book only three stars for the following reasons.

1.The author blames these changes on "post modernism".Blaming problems in Christian churches on "post modernism" is starting to get cliche.Change happens all the time, and the religious landscape in America has been volitle throughout most of its history.What did church leaders blame change on before "post modernism"?I forgot.

Is it possible that some of these changes in Churches of Christ are occuring because church members, like all of us, have access to more information that ever before and through their own studies have determined that some of the Church of Christ teachings are little more than traditional dogmas with little scriptural support? (To his credit, the author does sort of lead the reader to that without actually coming out and saying it.)

2.After doing a great job of focusing the reader on the crux of Christianity, the auther then decides at the end that weekly performance of the Lord's Supper is a "non-negotiable" part of being a Christian.What does "non-negotiable" mean exactly?

And, where in the New Testament is there any explicit directive concerning the frequency with which a Christian must partake of the Lord's Supper?There isn't.So after all is written and read, the author showed me that he really hadn't progessed in his thinking as far as I had thought.

Still, for the target audience this is one of the best books out there.

The Crux of the Matter
The authors provide a stimulating discussion of the need for reassessment and redirection within churches of Christ. Beginning with the perceptive observation that the church most of us know came of age in the 1950's, they highlight the growing sense of disorientation felt by many in an increasingly post-modern world.

Before suggesting directions and solutions, they provide helpful perspective by taking a giant step backward and tracing our modern roots from the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century through the American Restoration Movement of the 19th century. In doing this they demonstrate that at least some of our perspectives and distinctive doctrines were influenced by people and historical forces much more recent than the first century.

After that, the authors get to "the crux of the matter," retrace the current crisis of identity, diversity, and change in the church, and attempt to offer some directions for the future. Chief among these is a call to re-focus attention on the "core" of the gospel: "the story of our creator God's actions to save us from sin and death, culminating in the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Christ." This focus, they submit, provides the best platform for biblical interpretation, individual growth and congregational unity.

On the issue of biblical interpretation, for example, the authors contend that good interpretation acknowledges the core as a "center of gravity, allowing that core to govern both the reading of the text and its application." This approach de-emphasizes a search for "rules" and "patterns" and re-focuses on broader aspects of the text: purpose, theme, genre, context, and principle.

The authors acknowledge that the book is not intended as a fully-developed theology, but as a starting point for further thought and discussion. From that standpoint, I would highly recommend it as a very interesting and thought-provoking read.

Good discussion
This is a good discussion of a complex problem in Churches of Christ.I mean, just where are we going?Where did we come from?Overall, the discussion was adequate and worthwhile.Sometimes, it seems that conclusions are reached simply to be consistent with our heritage - not that that is all bad - but sometimes other conclusions are just as valid.Worth the time to read.

Uplifting and encouraging
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this clearly written, thought provoking book.It was especially meaningful to me because I know and respect Dr. Foster.Not growing up in the church of Christ, the brief history of the church's beginnings was very helpful in bring me up to speed and the authors made clear and easy to follow conclusions about why our history is vital in understanding the crises we face today.The ideas of pre-modern, modern, and post-modern (which can be difficult to grasp, at least for me) were expained in terms that made them obvious. It was not only informative, it was challanging.The authors managed to appeal to both the "traditionalists" and the "progressives" with out riding the fence themselves.As a post-modern woman in a rather conservative church, I was surprised that the authors were able to make me see the other side of the story (that of the more traditional member) and give me a larger respect for them.Their style of writing is so easy to read and their hearts seem to flow through their words. I recommend this book highly to anyone in the church of Christ who is looking to understand the problems we seem to be facing today.The book is a quick read and is not written in an "academic" style that might seem off-putting to a layperson.It is so relevant that I am hopeful we, at our church, will be able study it in a bible class in the near future. ... Read more

Product Description
Containing The Revelations Given To Joseph Smith, Junior, The Prophet, For The Building Up Of The Kingdom Of God In The Last Days. ... Read more