Turning Points in American Church History

"An excellent resource for those eager to learn more about the evolution of American Christianity." —Publishers Weekly



American history has profoundly shaped, and been shaped by, Christianity. This engaging introduction provides a brisk and lively yet deeply researched survey of these intertwined forces from the colonial period to the present.



Elesha Coffman tells the story of Christianity in the United States by focusing on thirteen key events over four centuries of history. The turning points are as varied as the movements they track, including a naval battle, a revival, a schism, a court case, an outpouring of the Spirit, an act of terrorism, the election of a bishop, and the election of a president. Coffman highlights women and men from a range of traditions and shows how, throughout these events, Christians endeavored to discern what it meant to live faithfully in the diverse and rapidly changing place that became the United States.



This book helps listeners understand their own faith and the landscape of American religion. Each chapter includes a hymn, a prayer, and excerpts from primary sources. Foreword by Mark A. Noll.