The Spiritual Vision of Frank Buchman

“Philip Boobbyer’s thorough scholarship uncovers the roots of Buchman's spiritual vision and demonstrates the wide-reaching significance of his campaigns for moral renewal. It will become the definitive study of this enigmatic figure.”

—Brian Stanley, University of Edinburgh

“This work engages with all the important literature and makes judicious assessment of the contributions of others. But what is here is original, both in terms of the remarkable range of primary sources utilized and the focus of the work, a focus not to be found in any other book.”

—Ian M. Randall, Spurgeon’s College, London, and International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague

“Frank Buchman is an important historical figure with remarkable influence on a range of different nations, movements, organizations, and eminent people. There has long been a strong need for a good academic study of him, and The Spiritual Vision of Frank Buchman successfully and admirably fills this lamentable gap. Buchman has always attracted passionate critics and disciples, and the more even tone of this volume is especially welcome.”

—Timothy Larsen, Wheaton College

“Frank Buchman was the American founder of the international movement that was variously called the First Century Christian Fellowship, the Oxford Group, and Moral Re-Armament. This body had a protean character, evolving from a religious revival movement into something like a nongovernmental organization dedicated to world peace and reconciliation. The ideas of the founder have proved elusive, but Philip Boobbyer, who has enjoyed full access to the available sources, has now pieced together a compelling portrayal of what moved the man.”

—David Bebbington, University of Stirling

“This inspiring account of Buchman's journey should be required reading for anyone interested in bringing peace to an interdependent, war-torn world.”

—Douglas Johnston, President, International Center for Religion and Diplomacy

“Philip Boobbyer . . . has provided a definitive and well-written portrait, which will be of enduring value, of Buchman and his vision.”

—Peter Forster Church Times

“This is the first effort to write a critical, spiritual biography of Frank Buchman (1878–1961), the founder of the Oxford Group and the Moral Re-armament movement, with emphasis on his ideas rather than on the details of his life. . . . This biography is well worth reading.”

—Anders Jarlert Journal of Theological Studies