In a work of striking breadth and clarity, Paul Conkin offers an
even-handed and in-depth look at the major American-made forms of
Christianity--a diverse group of religious traditions, each of
which reflects a significant break from western Christian
orthodoxy. Identifying six distinctive types, Conkin examines the
major denominations representative of each original variety of
American Christianity: restoration (Churches of Christ, Disciples
of Christ); humanistic (Unitarians, Universalists); apocalyptic
(Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses); Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints); spiritual (Christian Science, Unity); and
ecstatic (Holiness and Pentecostal denominations). Focusing on the
early years and maturation of these groups, he discusses their
founders and leaders, origins and Old World roots, and essential
doctrines and practices. Conkin closes each chapter with a guide to
further reading. The first comprehensive survey of these American
originals, this book will serve as a valuable resource on a number
of religious traditions whose members not only comprise a
significant percentage of the American population but also make up
an increasing proportion of Christian converts worldwide.
