Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States

Foreword by Martin E. Marty Edited by George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport

Not available to order

Publication date:

10 November 2016

Length of book:

2864 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442244320

From the Founding Fathers through the present, Christianity has exercised powerful influence in the United States—from its role in shaping politics and social institutions to its hand in inspiring art and culture. The Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States outlines the myriad roles Christianity has played and continues to play. This masterful five-volume reference work includes biographies of major figures in the Christian church in the United States, influential religious documents and Supreme Court decisions, and information on theology and theologians, denominations, faith-based organizations, immigration, art—from decorative arts and film to music and literature—evangelism and crusades, the significant role of women, racial issues, civil religion, and more.

The first volume opens with introductory essays that provide snapshots of Christianity in the U.S. from pre-colonial times to the present, as well as a statistical profile and a timeline of key dates and events. Entries are organized from A to Z. The final volume closes with essays exploring impressions of Christianity in the United States from other faiths and other parts of the world, as well as a select yet comprehensive bibliography. Appendices help readers locate entries by thematic section and author, and a comprehensive index further aids navigation.

Foreword by Martin E. Marty
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction

Contextual Snapshots of Christianity in the United States

A Snapshot of Pre-Colonial and Colonial Christianity
A Snapshot of Nineteenth Century Christianity in the US
A Snapshot of Twentieth Century Christianity in the US
A Snapshot of the Future of Christianity in the US

Statistical Profile of Christianity in the United States (2015)

Timeline: Milestones in the History of Christianity of the United States

Volume 1: A-E
Volume 2: F-J
Volume 3: K-N
Volume 4: O-R
Volume 5: S-Z

Perspectives of Christianity in the United States

An Asian Impression of Christianity in the United States
An Atheist Impression of Christianity in the United States
An Australian Impression of Christianity in the United States
A European Impression of Christianity in the United States
A Jewish Impression of Christianity in the United States
A Middle Eastern Impression of Christianity in the United States
A Post-Modern Impression of Christianity in the United States
A South American Impression of Christianity in the United States

Selected Bibliography (Listed by Thematic Section)

Appendices
A: Christianity in the Context of All Religions in the United States of America
B: Entries Listed by Thematic Sections
C: Entries Listed by Author

Encyclopedias are among the great tools of modern knowledge-making, all the more so when forged by hands as experienced as those of Kurian and Lamport. As a reference guide to Christianity’s variegated history and ongoing expression in the United States, these volumes stand out for their breadth of coverage and range of perspectives. Capsule biographies, denominational overviews, thematic analyses—all these and more can be found in this compendious collection.