The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement

by Douglas A. Foster; Paul M. Blowers; Anthony L. Dunnavant; D. Newell Williams

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2004

Overview

With roots in British and American endeavors to restore apostolic Christianity, the Stone-Campbell Movement drew its inspiration from the independent efforts of nineteenth-century religious reformers Barton W. Stone and the father-son team of Thomas and Alexander Campbell. The union of these two movements in the 1830s and the growth of the new body thrust it into a place of significance in early nineteenth-century America, and it quickly spread to other parts of the English-speaking world.

From its beginnings the Movement has developed into one of the most vital and diverse Christian traditions in the world. Today it encompasses three major American communions—Churches of Christ, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Christian Churches/Churches of Christ—as well as united churches in several other countries.

Over 10 years in the making, The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement offers for the first time a sweeping historical and theological treatment of this complex, vibrant global communion. Written by more than 300 contributors, this major reference work contains over 700 original articles covering all of the significant individuals, events, places, and theological tenets that have shaped the Movement. Much more than simply a historical dictionary, this volume also constitutes an interpretive work reflecting historical consensus among Stone-Campbell scholars, even as it attempts to present a fair, representative picture of the rich heritage that is the Stone-Campbell Movement.

Scores of photographs and illustrations (many quite rare) enrich and enliven the text, and an extensive, carefully prepared index facilitates ready access to important information throughout the volume. The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement—a standard reference work for religious, academic, public, and personal libraries everywhere.

In the Logos edition, The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Over 700 articles on the people, events, churches, and beliefs that comprise the Stone-Campbell tradition
• Cutting-edge commentary on current topics of discussion as well as basic historical knowledge
• Written by more than 300 scholars from across the Stone-Campbell Movement
• Photographs and illustrations from around the world

Contents

Top Highlights

“or ‘partyism’ in the church was widely viewed as a hindrance to the coming” (Page 709)

“They did, however, understand themselves as standing in a tradition of reform that had begun at least as early as Luther. Both Stone and Campbell encouraged candidates for ministry to study church history as well as the Bible, and both referred to early Christian literature to defend what they saw as catholic doctrines and practices.” (Page xxi)

“Rowe, like other early historians, portrayed the Campbell movement as the chief impetus for restoring apostolic Christianity.” (Page xxv)

“Humble insisted that the restoration of the church to God’s will is a continuing challenge, not a completed task” (Page xxvii)

“y the end of the 1880s the majority of the Stone-Campbell churches in the North favored instruments.” (Page 415)

Praise for the Print Edition

This encyclopedia should be in every church, every involved disciple’s home library, and every church-related institution.

—Disciples World

This encyclopedia is as usefully informative as it is carefully crafted. America’s vigorous Restorationist churches, personalities, publications, institutions of higher learning, and associations have long needed a comprehensive and discerning interpretive guide. This volume meets that need splendidly.

—Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame

Historians of American religion have long puzzled over the various and confusing congeries of the Stone-Campbell Movement. This remarkable volume provides an indispensable guide to understanding this important tradition.

—Randall Balmer, Mandel Family Professor of Arts and Sciences, Dartmouth College

Product Details

• Title: The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement
• Editors: Douglas A. Foster, Paul M. Blowers, Anthony L. Dunnavant, and D. Newell Williams
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 894

About the Editors

Douglas A. Foster is professor of church history and director of the Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas.

Paul M. Blowers is Dean E. Walker Professor of Church History at Emmanuel Christian Seminary in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Anthony L. Dunnavant (1954–2001) was the dean and professor of church history at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky.

D. Newell Williams is president and professor of modern and American church history at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.