Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Title: The Plea and the Pioneers in Virginia; a History of the Rise and Early Progress of the Disciples of Christ in Virginia, With Biographical Sketches of the Pioneer Preachers; Original Publisher: Richmond, Va., Everett Waddey Company; Publication date: 1905; Subjects: American literature; Publishers and publishing; United States; ... Read more

Product Description
New believers often have a lot of questions about their faith.They need help understanding the fundamental truths that lead to a solid foundation in Christ.Even seasoned believers sometimes need help fostering growth in their relationship with God.

So This Is Faith is a compelling resource that guides believers through their journey of faith to a deeper understanding of God and a more balanced, authentic relationship with Him.Designed to build on the basic questions of faith and then move to a deeper understanding of what it means to live as a Christian, So This Is Faith can be used for group or individual study.The beginning chapters explain the foundational truths of the Bible and explore who God is and the relationship He intended us to have with Him.Later chapters discuss the role Christ plays in reconnecting us to God and show how we can move beyond knowing about God to truly knowing Him.The book concludes by looking at the ways God chooses to restore His image in us.

Through the use of scriptures, questions, illustrations, and insights, So This Is Faith illuminates what a truly blessed life looks like and disciples believers as they grow and flourish in their faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A development of history
This book was read because of the enjoyment of reading "Disciples and the Bible" by Boring. Boring's books was a insightful commentary of the hermetical develop within the restoration stream of theology. "Disciples and Theology" was written with the idea of tracing the development of theology within the Stone-Campbell movement. I did not read the entire book, but just the first three chapters. After the first three chapters the book rows down the "Disciples of Christ" movement and leaves the churches of Christ thought completely. The first few chapters were interesting because of the Campbell thought and the developments of the first and second generation disciples. The book was interesting but not completely thought provoking. Most of the material was already known.

A developing theology...
As the text itself states, to put together the denomination of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the subject of theology is somewhat contradictory and out-of-place.Disciples have traditionally avoided the subject of theology in systematic forms as it comes too close to the idea of doctrines, dogmas and creeds that must be adhered to, quite antithetical to the 'no creed but Christ' idea of Disciples formation, and problematic to the overall ideal of Christian unity.

However, as the Disciples have matured over time into a denomination with a strong identity, the ministers, educators and laypersons in the church have found need of explaining and clarifying their own beliefs.Author Stephen Sprinkle identifies four primary periods in the development of a general Disciples theological framework -- the Campbellite/foundation period, from 1804 - 1866; the Milliganite synthesis, from 1867-1899; the Liberal synthesis, from 1900 - 1957; and finally, the current period, from 1958to the present, which Sprinkle describes as the Ecumenical synthesis.

From the very beginning, the term 'theology' was avoided by the founders, but the actual practice and development of theological thought was not.This was because 'theology' at the time represented grand systems of doctrines and creeds, often attached to the very denominations the early Disciples meant to distinguish themselves from in their identity.Still, the early Disciples, as with every succeeding generation, have had ideas of Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, soteriology and the other classic divisions within systematic theology.That these ideas tends to be less rigourous than other contemporary systems does not negate their value; indeed, Disciples would argue exactly the opposite, in the quest for congregational freedom and greater Christian unity.

Historians and theologians will find Sprinkle's early chapters of interest, but general readers and ministers will probably want to concentrate on the final chapters, which look at the Ecumenical synthesis and the future of theological development in the Disciples context.The Disciples practically embody the ecumenical ideal in the twentieth century -- this has in turn been of great importance in developing Disciples ideas.Sprinkle looks at key persons (Garrison, Robinson, Blakemore, and Osborn), as well as the current situation that involves persons such as Clark Williamson and Larry Bouchard, writing in ways to strengthen the ideas of covenant and community.Sprinkle also highlights the newest expressions of theology, including those that take race, gender, and social context into consideration as foundation or interpretation issues.

Sprinkle's book is a good introductory survey, accessible to laypersons, seminary and college students, as well as useful for ministers and scholars as a guide.The bibliography is useful - I might have included a few more texts that were not included, but as a beginning bibliography, it provides a useful starting point.

Important Theological History for Disciples of Christ
Steve Sprinkle, educated at Atlantic Christian, Yale, and Duke, on the faculty at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, has authored a wonderful book about the theology of the Disciples of Christ.Iread it for a doctoral level independent study on "Disciples'Ethos" at Lexington Theological Seminary and found it to be a greatnarration of Disciples' theology from a historical perspective.Don't beput off by the fact that I read it for school.It is well written andquite easy to read. I would recommend it for any Disciple or anyone whowants to travel through Disciples' history to gain a better understandingof this denomination and its way of thinking theologically ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Start
I found this to be very helpful in understanding how the CCDOC formed in the context of western expansion in the United States.This is not a complete history, but an excelent overview, and can be used as a starting point for anyone wanting to explore the CCDOC history.It is a lengthy book, but it is easy to get through.I have heard rumors of a new history of the CCDOC in the works, but it will be difficult to do a better job explaining the information that this book covers while keeping the information managable.Despite the value of this book, an update covering the past half century will be welcomed. ... Read more

Product Description
[Includes as an Apppendix, Alexander Campbell's "Address on War."]In DISCIPLE OF PEACE, Craig M. Watts offers the most comprehensive study ever done on the pacifism of Alexander Campbell. Watts not only provides a detailed examination of Campbell's pacifist thought, he sets it in the broader context of the antebellum American peace movement, showing that this towering figure was neither isolated nor idiosyncratic in his thinking. Campbell offered an important challenge to the religious world of the 19th century. Watts ably conveys Campbell's challenge to Christians facing war and violence in our time. *** "For some time I have been deeply dismayed that most Christians who claim Alexander Campbell as one of their spiritual forefathers know nothing of his critiques of violence and war. In these welcome and illuminating essays, Craig Watts hopes to put an end to such a travesty by documenting convincingly that Campbell firmly believed that restoring primitive Christianity meant leaving behind our penchant for war and violence." - Philip Kenneson, author of LIFE ON THE VINE and Assoc. Prof. of Theology, Milligan College *** "This book is an indispensable help in assessing our contemporary cultural captivity to the nationalistic fervors and the militaristic idols which currently assail us." - Lee Camp, author of MERE DISCIPLESHIP and Asst. Prof. of Christian Ethics Lipscomb Univ. *** "Craig Watts' careful examination of Alexander Campbell's pacifist sympathies bristles with historical and theological clarity and insight." - Joe R. Jones, author of A GRAMMAR OF CHRISTIAN FAITH, and Prof. Emeritus, Christian Theological Seminary *** Craig M. Watts is a minister who has served Disciples of Christ congregations for over 25 years and is also the author of numerous articles on theology, ethics and preaching. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An important and timely discussion
I've read Watts' Disciple of Peace, parts of it several times. I hope a lot of other people will read it as well. The topic is undeniably important and Alexander Campbell's position deserves careful consideration by all of us who are part of the great movement he helped start and by others as well. There is too much ill-considered -and unbiblical-thinking on the subject of war. Watts discusses the influences that helped shape Campbell's position, the scriptural foundation of his views, and related topics like church-state relations, civil disobedience and capital punishment. The chapter on how pacifism comes into play in relation to Campbell's eschatology is especially insightful.The final chapter, "A Future for a Pacifist Past" offers some criticisms ofshortcomings and inconsistencies in Campbell's thinking and offers a well-reasoned constructive proposal that preserves the strengths and avoids the weaknesses in Campbell's position regarding war and peace. This book deserves a place high on your reading list.
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Customer Reviews (2)

The best Disciples history book available
Toulouse organizes the history and current identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) around four principles that have shaped the movement from the beginning: Interpretation, Restoration, Ecumenism, and Eschatology. The revised edition adds the chapter on eschatology and fills in the gaps left wide open by previous accounts of the movement's history.

I've used this book as the basis for teaching Disciples history, polity and identity with clergy and laity alike, and have found it thorough, challenging, and rewarding. As one of the pre-eminent American church historians of the past two decades, Toulouse captures the essence of the movement in ways that connect the past to the present. He also offers excellent summaries of the transitions that have taken place from mission to missions and from elders to clergy.

I'd recommend that any Disciple who wants to know more about our current identity and contribution to the church world-wide should have this book in his or her library.

New DOC disciple
I thought was through and interesting and for me coming into the DIsciples faith. The only chapter I thought was a little dry was the Eschatological chapter, otherwise, it is a wonderful primer to know about the Disciples of Christ. ... Read more