Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States

George Thomas Kurian (1931–2015) was president of the Encyclopedia Society and the editor of sixty-five books, including numerous encyclopedias and dictionaries. He was also a fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. He was the editor, among others, of The World Christian Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization, and Encyclopedia of Christian Literature. Mark A. Lamport is a professor at graduate schools in the United States and Europe. He is co-editor of Encyclopedia of Christian Education, and editor of the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Martin Luther and the Reformation and Encyclopedia of Christianity in the Global South.

• Foreword by Martin E. MartyPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionContextual Snapshots of Christianity in the United StatesA Snapshot of Pre-Colonial and Colonial ChristianityA Snapshot of Nineteenth Century Christianity in the USA Snapshot of Twentieth Century Christianity in the USA Snapshot of the Future of Christianity in the USStatistical Profile of Christianity in the United States (2015)Timeline: Milestones in the History of Christianity of the United StatesVolume 1: A-EVolume 2: F-JVolume 3: K-NVolume 4: O-RVolume 5: S-ZPerspectives of Christianity in the United StatesAn Asian Impression of Christianity in the United StatesAn Atheist Impression of Christianity in the United StatesAn Australian Impression of Christianity in the United StatesA European Impression of Christianity in the United StatesA Jewish Impression of Christianity in the United StatesA Middle Eastern Impression of Christianity in the United StatesA Post-Modern Impression of Christianity in the United StatesA South American Impression of Christianity in the United StatesSelected Bibliography (Listed by Thematic Section)AppendicesA: Christianity in the Context of All Religions in the United States of AmericaB: Entries Listed by Thematic SectionsC: Entries Listed by Author

Kurian and Lamport have produced a well-written, comprehensive guide detailing the many themes and people in the history of Christianity in the United States. Their aim is 'to facilitate greater reflection on our national and personal circumstances in light of our historical awareness; to hospitably engage ideas, cultures, and practices of faith tradition beyond the normal scope of our direct experiences; and to recall the gracious, sovereign mission of God in his Church in the United States.' These five volumes of fascinating entries by numerous scholars succeed in inviting readers to browse through and actively participate in that reflection, engagement, and recollection. The entries are organized alphabetically, but indexing by themes, names, and even the author of the articles makes finding and tracing specific threads of history easy. Brief bibliographical references are included for each item as well as an overarching selected bibliography and essay in the final volume. Among the other useful features are an introductory series of essays surveying the overall history of Christianity and its impact on the United States, an appendix detailing U.S. religious trends, and a series of concise essays giving perspectives on the subject from other cultural viewpoints such as Asian, Australian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Jewish, and even atheist. The vast cultural and religious variety within the United States is well represented here. VERDICT A superb set that will appeal to both researchers and general readers interested in religion or history. Suitable for both academic and public libraries.