This book samples the rich variety of worship practices in American history to show how worship can be a fruitful subject for historians to study and, alternatively, how past case studies can enrich o
This book samples the rich variety of worship practices in American history to show how worship can be a fruitful subject for historians to study and, alternatively, how past case studies can enrich our understanding of worship today.
By the Vision of Another World gathers highly regarded historians and other scholars who usually are not read together because of the widely different subject areas in which they typically work. Yet their essays all fit together here as they address how worship, work, and worldview converge and reinforce each other no matter what particular place, era, denomination, or ethnic group is under consideration. The variety of methodologies and voices will appeal to a breadth of critical interests, while the consistently high quality of historical narrative will keep readers engaged.
Contributors
Dorothy C. Bass
James D. Bratt
Ruth Alden Doan
Paul Harvey
George M. Marsden
Timothy Matovina
Harry S. Stout
Leslie Woodcock Tentler
Michael Woods
Joyce Ann Zimmerman
Leanne Van Dyk
-- Western Theological Seminary
"This book offers a genuine contribution to multiple fields of study, including American history, liturgical studies, and practical theology. It succeeds in deeply integrating and mutually illuminating these fields with wit, warmth, and wisdom. The challenge of ranging so widely across disciplines is remarkably met and mastered. Readers will reflect meaningfully on the many particular shapes of American religion and worship in their contexts of ethnicity, culture, class, and worldview."
Christian Librarian
“There is much to enjoy in this fine collection. . . . A strong compilation that should prove useful for both students and practitioners of American church life.”
Journal of Southern History
“With its focus on human experience and lived communities, this volume provides a treasure trove of diverse perspectives on worship.”
Christian Scholar’s Review
“Each essay successfully opens a window into the complex interrelations and interaction of worship, work and worldview of a particular community at a particular time and place.”
Choice (American Library Association)
“A collection of historical essays examining how worship practices interacted with and altered theological doctrine in the US. . . . This book should prove valuable to historians examining religion in the US as well as to contemporary Christians seeking a historical perspective on their liturgical practices and rituals. Recommended.”
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