Randall Balmer is Professor of Religion at Barnard College, Columbia University.
"Deftly interweaving local history, demographic data, personality
sketches, and church anecdotes, Balmer demonstrates the same power
of observation that earned his study of evangelicals critical
acclaim. His descriptions of these mainline churches will elicit
from almost any American churchgoer chuckles of recognition--or
sighs."--Christianity Today
"Distills a good deal about what happened to this country's
mainstream religious life in the postwar era.... The book traces
the effect on churches as pastors and staff change, and shows the
influence of changing secular politics, shifting theology, and the
expanding roles of women.... This book reads like travel writing,
with the writer always looking for the telling detail."--The
Christian Science Monitor
"An engaging narrative that should provoke thoughtful reflection on
what is 'mainline' and what is 'great' in Protestantism in the U.S.
at the end of the twentieth century."--Booklist
"Before historians and sociologists generalize further about
'mainline Protestantism,' let them read Balmer's narratives of the
recent ups and downs of these twelve congregations. The stories
will alternately encourage, perplex, and challenge the friends and
the enemies of the mainline. In fact, Balmer's stories are richer
than his own general conclusions. That's the way with good stories.
These are really worth reading."--Donald W. Shriver, Jr.,
President
Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary
"As Balmer demonstrates, American religion now thrives on the
margins of evangelicalism and New Age spirituality."--Library
Journal
"Balmer is an engaging and challenging commentator with a sprightly
style, and his concluding essay on the state of the American church
is absolutely penetrating."--Publishers Weekly
"From the author of Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory and host of the
PBS series of the same title, another incisive critique of the US
religious scene."--Kirkus Reviews
"Randall Balmer has once again produced an engaging narrative on
the Protestant church in the modern era. His insightful writing
offers a balanced assessment of the historical development of
American Protestantism."--Mark O. Hatfield, United States Senator
from Oregon
"Balmer's keen ear and eye provide us with a perceptive and
artfully drawn portrait of contemporary congregational life in
mainline Protestantism. His samples are 'twelve great churches' of
1950, so Balmer can track the changing fortunes and enduring
spiritual power of these religious communities in the late
twentieth century. A marvelous sketch book--one to be read,
savored, and pondered."--John M. Mulder, President, Louisville
Seminary
"Randall Balmer has applied his skills as a theologically aware
investigator and experienced journalist to produce this perceptive
examination of the same twelve churches initially profiled in a
1950 Christian Century magazine series. What he discovered, 45
years later, provides both observers and members with a valuable
profile of mainline Protestantism at the close of the 20th
century."--James M. Wall, editor, Christian Century
"By all means, read this book to find out about the sometimes
dismaying complexities now experienced by mainline Protestant
congregations. But savor this book also for the skill with which
Balmer hears, sees, records, and responds to the kind of religion
that still is most practiced in America--out of the limelight, out
where the people live."--Mark A. Noll, Professor of History,
Wheaton College
"Those who have watched Randall Balmer's public television programs
on American religion will find the same warm engagement in these
pages. As one travels with him from Ohio, to Florida, to Kansas,
and elsewhere, one gains a valuable inside view of the variety and
vitality of mainstream Protestant congregations. Pastors and laity
will want to read this book to see how their churches compare with
others; scholars should read it as a reality check on their
theories."--Robert Wuthnow, Princeton University, author of
Christianity in the 21st Century and Learning to Care: Elementary
Kindness in an Age of Indifference
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