Methodism and the Shaping of American Culture

In this collected work on the history of Methodism in America, a strong group of scholars seeks to overturn the long-held but erroneous view that the Second Great Awakening was largely a Puritan/Calvinist phenomenon and to assert the importance of Methodist participation. They trace the rise of Methodism from a nascent evangelical movement into the largest religious body and most extensive national organization in this country other than the Federal government.

This collection of essays provides the reader with some of the growing insights being generated by the current generation of historians of religion in America. This book continues the effort to move consideration of the Methodist movement into the broader context of American history. Some of the essays are shorter versions of arguments made in longer works by the same author (as with John Wigger's piece). But there is value in having these more condensed treatments of a subject.Some of the stronger essays are provided by Hatch, Wigger, Hempton, Shiels, and Carwardine. But a couple of the essays are somewhat lacking. This is not unusual in a collection of essays, really. Still, there is some measure of disappointment, and the reader should know this. Having sounded a note of caution, I still give this collection five stars for the overall quality of the better essays. Those interested in American history, or in American religious history, would do well to have this book in their libraries. Very useful.