An accurate; sympathetic account of influential colonial Christian leader Cotton Mather Cotton Mather (1663-1728) was America's most famous pastor and scholar at the beginning of the eighteenth century. People today generally associate him with the infamous Salem witch trials; but in this new biography Rick Kennedy tells a bigger story: Mather; he says; was the very first American evangelical. A fresh retelling of Cotton Mather's life; this biography corrects misconceptions and focuses on how he sought to promote; socially and intellectually; a biblical lifestyle. As older Puritan hopes in New England were giving way to a broader and shallower Protestantism; Mather led a populist; Bible-oriented movement that embraced the new century — the beginning of a dynamic evangelical tradition that eventually became a major force in American culture. Incorporating the latest scholarly research but written for a popular audience; The First American Evangelical brings Cotton Mather and his world to life in a way that helps readers understand both the Puritanism in which he grew up and the evangelicalism he pioneered.
#749155 in Books 2008-04-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .51 x 6.00l; .69 #File Name: 0802860435216 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Using the biblical texts from the Kings; demonstrates the pathology of powerBy Alan MillsThis is another entry in Father Daniel Berrigan's series of books analyzing various books of the Bible. Like the others; it takes as its theme the application of these texts to modern life--and in particular a critique of the contemporary American proclivity toward war and violence. Rather than the simplistic view of the texts presented in popular media (and simpler biblical commentary); Father Berrigan digs deep into the biblical stories and works to unearth the moral; the reason the story was included in the first place; and the application of the history for our own society.To use one example; the story of Solomon's decsion between two women who both claimed an infant as theirs is well known--he ruled the baby should be cut in half; and then declared the woman who objected to be the mother. This is usually cited as an example of Solomonic justice--showing how wise King Solomon was. Father Berrigan agrees that this was an example of wisdom; but goes much further. First; the women were not royalty; high court officers; etc. Rather; they were two ordinary citizens. Thus; the story is a moral lesson that real justice is not only for the rich; but must also be available to ordinary citizens. Second; he notes that this is the ONLY time in the history of Solomon presented in the Bible that he is shown dealing with ordinary people; and that this episode occurred early in his rule. As time went on; he lost touch with ordinary people; and turned to making war. Father Berrigan thus uses this as an example of power corrupting even wise men.Father Berrigan's underlying point is that we should not too readily consider the Old Testament days as especially violent; amoral; or cruel. After all; he points out; the U.S. today is making war on a far grander scale; with less moral justification; on the ordinary people of Afghanistan (which we had just invaded as Father Berrigan is writing) and Iraq (which we were threatening at the time); with a degree of slaughter which was unthinkable in biblical times.As another reviewer pointed out; this is not an "easy read." Do not expect facile morals; or grade school level of writing. But for a serious reader; who has an interest in the Bible; or in morality and ethics more generally; I highly recommend this powerful book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Kindle CustomerI have to be in a scholarly mood to read this one.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Riveting; Deep ReadBy LanaMarieA totally different way of looking at the Books of Kings; some of it was a little over my head; but eventually; it all fell into place and made sense.Excellent example of why the world needed a Savior like Jesus and still does in these turbulent times!
