"This is a gripping,
powerful, and prophetic book. Paul Alexander documents
the transformation—more accurately:
devolution—of the American Assemblies of God over
the course of the twentieth century from its roots as an
antiwar, pacifistic, and peace-seeking church into a
nationalistic, militaristic, and Americanist
denomination, even while raising important questions for
the Pentecostal witness in the twenty-first century. This
is a must-read volume for all Pentecostal
educators, pastors, and leaders, as well as for anyone
interested in and concerned about the present and future
of the church in America." "With the Pentecostal
movement growing more rapidly than any other branch of
Christianity, this book helps us understand how it lost
its original deep commitment to the Prince of Peace and
to peacemaking. But is also suggests that Pentecostals
may yet reclaim this invaluable element of their
heritage." "Provocative and well
researched, Alexander’s contribution to the history
of American Pentecostal history and theology should be
required reading for anyone who takes faith and academic
inquiry seriously. I hope all my fellow travelers read
it!" Peace to War is a
profoundly disturbing read for anyone concerned about the
formation of faith across generations. Alexander tells a
story of the loss of a corporate crucifist vision,
but more than that, he reveals how communities of faith
can barter away important elements of Christian identity
for acceptance and influence. The implications of this
study are worth examining by all traditions asking the
question, "Will our children have faith?" In Peace to War
Alexander has paid impressively extensive and accurate
attention to the health that is intrinsic to
Pentecostalism, and his diagnosis is full of suggestions
for the direction of new life." |
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