The Old Religion in a New World
The History of North American Christianity
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Published: 2001
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Publisher's Description
One of our foremost historians of religion here chronicles the arrival of Christianity in the New World, tracing the turning points in the development of the immigrant church that have led to today's distinctly American faith. Taking a unique approach to this fascinating subject, Noll focuses on what was new about organized Christian religion on the American continent by comparison with European Christianity. In doing so, Noll provides a broad outline of the major events in the history of the Christian churches that have filled North America with such remarkable vitality and diversity. He also highlights some of the most important interpretive issues in the transfer of the hereditary religion of Europe to America.
Endorsements (4)
“The Old Religion in a New World is marked by Noll's characteristic lucidity and reflects his enviable mastery of a wide range of specialist literature. His clarity should not be mistaken for the na?vet? of some once-over-lightly texts. His expert understanding of the history of Christianity and the history of theology, not only in his own country but also in Europe, Canada, and Mexico, allows him to transcend the limitations of a merely 'Americanist' perspective. The result is a book that offers an unusual breadth of perspective, revisiting a number of interpretive questions with new insight. Noll writes with a refreshing candor, fair-mindedness, and wisdom. Readers can know they are in good hands.”
“Noll offers a clear, succinct, and accessible account of the European Christian churches' experiences from their arrival in America to the present time. In his own masterful way, Noll provides us with a fresh interpretive angle for seeing how the American experience changed both these churches and this country. A wonderful effort!”
“In this well-honed survey of the history of Christianity in North America, Mark Noll puts on a virtuosic display of historical range and subtle synthesis. Few have read as widely or as deeply as Noll across the whole sweep of North American religious history, and his encyclopedic grasp of the field shows through on page after page of this volume. With the inclusion of substantial comparisons of the United States to Canada and Mexico, Noll makes all the more apparent the distinctiveness of the U.S. experience regarding church and state. His careful attention to popular Christian spirituality makes the book especially timely.”
“This is the most wide-ranging portrayal of the history of Christianity in North America ever published as a medium-size book. By interspersing a comprehensive chronological narrative with discussions of enduring issues like pluralism and separation of church and state, Noll gives an eye-opening analysis of the role of Christian traditions, beliefs, and practices in American life today. The contemporary relevance of this book will make it useful to journalists, politicians, and civic leaders as well as to students.”
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