American Originals: Homemade Varieties of Christianity

This is a truly outstanding work in American religious history. Conkin delves deep into the historical details surrounding these groups, yet never loses focus of the larger picture and the major themes that make each group distinctive. His chapter on Mormonism is particularly good; no other work sorts out the complicated events and themes of the Latter-day Saints with as much clarity and concision.Believers should note this is a scholarly work, and deals with questions those inside the faith, in their modes of worship, do not consider. Conkin is very fair with these groups; those unhappy with this work should compare it to the hatchet jobs many professors of religion, or sectarian believers, do to those of other faiths.

I've been waiting for a book like this for a really long time. The book is fact filled, easy to read (for those new to religious concepts & sects) and informative. The author breaks the sects up so that we can better understand the denominations as a whole. The section on Apocalptic Christianity is one of the best. Many members of the sects discussed might be offended as it does point out inaccuracies or missteps within the sect. A great read!!