Methodism And Politics in the Twentieth Century
Demonstrating the skills of both a careful researcher and a gifted writer, Mark Tooley has crafted a lively narrative that chronicles the complex political engagement of Methodism with the United States from the early twentieth century to 9/11. From one Methodist president to another, from William McKinley at the century s beginning to George W. Bush at its end, Tooley recounts a history with refreshing honesty, numerous insights, and all of this against the backdrop of the shifting theological, political and cultural strength of Methodism. This work makes a generous contribution to a field that clearly warrants increasing attention. I highly recommend this book. Kenneth J. Collins, Ph.D., Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies; Director, The Wesleyan Studies Summer Seminar, Asbury Theological Seminary --Book CoverIn this ground-breaking volume, Mark Tooley traces the wide-ranging contours of American Methodism s political witness in the twentieth century. His effort makes an important contribution to historical, denominational, political and social history in the United States. This timely, well-researched narrative is not only fascinating, but critical for understanding the political and social behavior of the church today. Wendy J. Deichmann, President, United Theological Seminary --Book coverMark Tooley offers sensational facts without polemic as he describes the tragedy of American Methodism. His solid scholarship shows how Methodist leaders gradually became the caboose of liberalism by for example exchanging opposition to divorce for promotion of abortion. He starts the story beautifully with his description of reactions to the first truly Methodist president, William McKinley. Then, with excellent specific detail, he takes us issue by issue through Methodism s reactions to the 20th century s major political debates. Tooley s work is important to Methodists who want to understand their denomination s decline and to Christians generally who want to trace what happens when we place trendy ideologies above God s word. Marvin Olasky, editor-in-chief, WORLD --Book Cover