Denominationalism Illustrated and Explained

Evidence of mainstream denominational decline virtually throws itself in our faces--growing religious pluralism in North America; the decline over the last half century in the salience, prestige, power, and vitality of Protestant denominational leadership; slippage in mainline membership and corresponding growth, vigor, visibility, and political prowess of conservative, evangelical, and fundamentalist bodies; patterns of congregational independence, including loosening of or removal of denominational identity, particularly in signage, and the related marginal loyalty of members; emergence of megachurches, with resources and the capacity to meet needs heretofore supplied by denominations (training, literature, expertise); growth within mainline denominations of caucuses and their alignment into broad progressive or conservative camps, often with connections to similar camps in other denominations; widespread suspicion of, indeed hostility towards, the centers and symbols of denominational identity--the regional and national headquarters; migration of individuals and families through various religious identities, sometimes out of classic Christianity altogether. Denominationalism looks doomed and is so proclaimed. It may be. However, viewing the sweep of Anglo-American history, this volume suggests how much denominations and denominationalism have changed, how resilient they have proved, how significant these structures of religious belonging have been in providing order and direction to American society, and how such enduring purposes find ever new structural/institutional expression.

""This book has convinced me that denominational Christianity is not dying; it is once again adapting and transitioning into a new chapter in its fascinating history. Here is history from one of our most able church historians, who not only studied our history, but also helped make history in his church and seminary leadership, all in service to the future vitality of our church.""
--Will Willimon, Duke Divinity School

""Face the facts of denominational decline and discord. Spot the spires and spectacle of mega-churches on the rise, and chart the paths of spiritual seekers and pluralist pilgrims through faith in flux. Then find the underlying truth and overarching spirit of American grace, made flesh in denominational bodies and reborn through their living history. Nobody does this better than Russell Richey, and no place better than in this brilliant book.""
--Steven M. Tipton, Emory University

""Russell Richey has long been the master historian of the phenomenon of denominationalism. This is a collection of his essays stretching over a forty-year career. Each essay is a jewel, and together they make up a glittering necklace that allows the reader to glimpse the various facets of the denominational pattern.""
--Robert Bruce Mullin, General Theological Seminary

""In its historical scope, from English origins to contemporary challenges of denominationalism, and in its range of probing discussion, from the voluntary principle to ecclesial purpose of denominations old and new, Richey's work is an essential reference and stimulus to teaching and scholarship in American religious studies.""
--Thomas Edward Frank, Wake Forest University


Russell E. Richey, Dean Emeritus of Candler School of Theology and William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Church History Emeritus, is author or editor of twenty books, including Denominationalism (1977, 2010) and Reimagining Denominationalism (1994, 2010).