That Old-Time Religion in Modern America
Evangelical Protestantism in the Twentieth Century
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Ivan R Dee, Inc
Published:21st Jul '03
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Many Americans commonly associate evangelical Protestants with the scoldings of the religious right and solicitations of money by televangelists. Whether or not these associations are particularly flattering, it is true that a concern for preserving a moral social order as well as an unrelenting desire to make new converts are traits that have defined evangelicalism throughout American history. In this cogent account, D. G. Hart unpacks evangelicalism’s current reputation by tracing its development over the course of the twentieth century. He shows how evangelicals entered the century as full partners in the Protestant denominations and agencies that molded American cultural and intellectual life. Although the fundamentalist controversy of the 1920s marginalized evangelicals in America’s largest denominations, their views about the individual, society, and families went virtually unchallenged in American society because of the ongoing dominance of Protestant churches and institutions. After 1960, when the United States entered a period sometimes called “post-Protestant,” evangelicals began to assert themselves more aggressively in politics and culture, seeking to preserve a Christian society. These evangelical responses to Protestantism’s waning influence in America reveal a curious feature of twentieth-century life: despite its conformity to American ideals, since the 1970s evangelical Protestantism has been perceived as alien to other Americans. Mr. Hart’s illuminating study offers an explanation for this change in evangelicalism’s fortunes by showing the success and limitations of this popular religious movement.
Not until the 1960s however, did evangelicals start to engage culture. They, did so D.G. Hart explains, in respons to well-known secularizing trends. -- Terry Eastland * The Washington Times *
No one understand the history of evangelicalism better than D. G. Hart, and no one offers a more balanced analysis of the key issues. -- Leo Ribuffo
A mature historical account of a subject as rich as it is complex. The book is carefully learned, authoritatively balanced, and yet entirely accessible to a wide audience. -- Mark Noll
Well-informed, tightly written and provocative. * The Wall Street Journal *
Art has written a concise and insightful history of evangelicalism's rise, decline, and resurgence in the 20th century. -- F. Arriola * CHOICE *
Fascinating...clearly coherent.... Hart's warnings...should be welcomed. * The Weekly Standard *
Compelling...sweeping in reach, erudite in research, and driven by an admirable appreciation for his subjects. -- David E. Harrell, Daniel F. Breeden Eminent Scholar in the Humanities, Auburn University
Compact, instructive and well-argued. * Chicago Sun-Times *
An excellent survey which provides much focus on 20th century evangelical effects on modern society. * Midwest Book Review *
Hart delivers a wonderfully readable narrative of twentieth-century evangelicalism...a rich and thoughtful introduction to a fertile religious tradition. * Journal of Presbyterian History *
Hart's text is wonderfully researched and historically illuminating in its blending of theological, social, and emotional experiences into a remarkable American odyssey. Even those who view Evangelicalism with skepticism or worse will find That Old-Time Religion a compelling journey to take. * New York Resident *
…A nice job of explaining evangelical political positions…. Suggests that the common understanding of evangelicalism...needs some revision. * Religious Studies Review *
…An excellent introduction to modern evangelicalism. * The Historian *
…Both well written and intellectually substantial…. Hart has written a masterful account of modern evangelicalism. -- Gardiner H. Shattuck, Jr. * Anglican Theological Review *
A persuasive assesment of evangelicalism's traditionalist yet innovative pressence in America. -- George Westerlund * Library Journal *
ISBN: 9781566634595
Dimensions: 208mm x 138mm x 20mm
Weight: 299g
256 pages