Turning Points in American Church History

Elesha J. Coffman’s "Turning Points in American Church History, How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith" is a masterful exploration that sheds light on the pivotal moments shaping the American Christian faith. Coffman, Baylor’s Associate Professor of History, has followed up her well received biography of Margaret Mead. She leads readers on a captivating journey through the annals of American church history, starting in 1588 with the defeat of the Spanish Armada and concluding in 1980 with President Ronald Reagan. This book skillfully navigating the complexities of theological evolution and institutional transformation.

One of the book's most commendable aspects is Coffman's ability to distill vast historical narratives into accessible and engaging prose. Her writing effortlessly bridges the gap between academic rigor and reader-friendly storytelling, making this book a captivating read for both seasoned scholars and those new to the subject. Coffman’s commitment to clarity and coherence ensures that even the most intricate concepts are presented in a way that is both enlightening and enjoyable.

Each chapter of "Turning Points in American Church History" functions as a portal into a specific time period, offering readers a panoramic view of the ecclesiastical landscape. Coffman meticulously examines critical moments, in about a 400 year span, with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the diverse currents that have shaped American Christianity.

"Turning Points in Church American History" not only informs but also inspires. Coffman’s writing style, coupled with her insightful analysis, encourages readers to reflect on the relevance of historical turning points to contemporary faith and practice. The book serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting readers to consider how the church's journey through time shapes their own spiritual perspectives.

In conclusion, Elesha J. Coffman’s "Turning Points in American Church History" stands as a beacon of scholarship and readability in the realm of church history literature. With its captivating storytelling, meticulous research, and inclusive approach, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the profound moments that have defined the American Christian faith. Coffman’s work is not only a testament to her expertise as a historian but also a gift to those eager to explore the rich tapestry of church history. Highly recommended for both the scholarly and the curious reader alike.

I chose this book as part of my reading for the book challenge I described in Read With Me. I’m not a history buff, but this book piqued my interest. In it the author chooses thirteen events she considers to be pivotal in shaping American religious life. Beginning with England’s defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588) and ending with the presidency of Ronald Reagan (1980), each chapter addresses a different significant historical development. The chapters each begin with a hymn and end with a prayer. At the end of each chapter there are suggestions for further reading, and the book includes an extensive index at the back.

Some of the turning points chosen were familiar to me — the Great Awakening, the Azusa Street Revival, the Scopes “Monkey” Trial and others were not — King Philip’s War, the founding of the American Bible Society, the election of John Carroll as the first Roman Catholic Bishop in America. In reading this book you will definitely learn some American history along with the history of the church.

Of course, any book of this kind is somewhat subjective. You or I might choose different events or disagree about how each one affected American history. However, it gives food for thought and reminds us that God is always at work, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Well Documented Examination Of Oft-Ignored Periods Of History As They Relate To The American Church. Coffman makes it clear in the introduction of this book that she is setting out to examine 12 events/ periods of history that had what she believes is the greatest impact on the American Church over the course of its history - from the earliest days of Christianity in the land now called the "United States of America" through today. While some are rather obvious and typical, others - including her in-depth analysis of the Pentacostal style of worship - are less so. The writing style is nearly conversational academic - still clearly academic in nature, but not such that you have to be an academic (and particularly an academic in her given field) to understand, and Coffman covers pretty well the entire history and most all angles of the given moment for the chapter at hand. Other interesting writing choices are including a period worship song and a period prayer to highlight her overall points about the period in question. Overall an interesting look at a lot of history that even this amateur historian wasn't completely aware of, the book still invites the reader to decide for themselves if Coffman really got the 12 most pivotal events, or why the reader believes other events should have been discussed instead, making it fairly rare in its overall tone and "aftertaste". Truly an interesting book for anyone remotely interested in its subject or combination of subjects. Very much recommended.