Craig D. Atwood

Frank Spencer Mead

Samuel S. Hill

The Handbook of Denominations has been recognized as an accurate, objective, and comprehensive source of information on denominational groupings in the United States for over half a century. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated. However, it maintains the accessibility and readability that have been hallmarks of previous editions. The thirteenth edition presents updated entries on the major Christian denominations in the United States---their historical background, their doctrines or main teachings, and their polity or structure of governance. Included are statistics on the number of churches and church members and information about church-related schools and institutions. The Handbook also treats the major branches of Judaism and Islam that are found in the U.S. The Handbook features a reorganized division of denominational "families" intended to help readers find information on and understand relationships between churches more quickly. A new introduction on religion in America, lists of church membership in the main ecumenical organizations, charts depicting the historical development of denominations, a directory of denominational headquarters and Web sites, a list of suggested readings, and an index add to the usefulness of the volume. Clearly the standard in the field, the Handbook of Denominations is an essential resource for seminary students, clergy, laity, librarians, journalists, researchers, teachers---in short, for anyone seeking authoritative information on religious life in America!

Handbook of Denominations in the United States

Roger E. Olson

This authoritative guidebook to U.S. religious groups is now available in a brand-new, updated edition.

"Examines the history and development of Moravian theology, from its origins in the Hussite movement to the work of Comenius. Explores the theology of the Unity of the Brethren within the context of the Protestant Reformation"--Provided by publisher.

The Theology of the Czech Brethren from Hus to Comenius

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was a unique colonial town. It was the first permanent outpost of the Moravians in North America and served as the headquarters for their extensive missionary efforts. It was also one of the most successful communal societies in American history. Bethlehem was founded as a &"congregation of the cross&" where all aspects of personal and social life were subordinated to the religious ideal of the community. In Community of the Cross, Craig D. Atwood offers a convincing portrait of Bethlehem and its religion. Visitors to Bethlehem, such as Benjamin Franklin, remarked on the orderly and peaceful nature of life in the community, its impressive architecture, and its &"high&" culture. However, many non-Moravians were embarrassed or even offended by the social and devotional life of the Moravians. The adoration of the crucified Jesus, especially his wounds, was the focus of intense devotion for adults and children alike. Moravians worshiped the Holy Spirit as &"Mother,&" and they made the mystical marriage to Christ central to their marital intimacy. Everything, even family life, was to be a form of worship. Atwood reveals the deep connection between life in Bethlehem and the religious symbolism of controversial German theologian Nicholas von Zinzendorf, whose provocative and erotic adoration of the wounds of Jesus was an essential part of private and communal life. Using the theories of Ren&é Girard, Mary Douglas, and Victor Turner, Atwood shows that it was the Moravians&’ liturgy and devotion that united the community and inspired both its unique social structure and its missionary efforts.

Craig D. Atwood

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