Christian Voluntarism in Britain and North America - A Bibliography and Critical Assessment

A unique blending of historical analysis and bibliographic data, this volume examines the course of the voluntary association for religious purposes and analyzes the prominent primary and secondary literature in the field of voluntarism. In addition, hundreds of voluntary associations prior to 1900 in Britain, the United States, Canada, and elsewhere are listed. A reference tool for students and scholars in Western Christian thought and history, over 900 resources are classified by general, denominational, racial, and gender categories and are annotated.

The first part of the volume examines the roots of voluntary thought in the Christian tradition and provides an overview of the evolution of voluntary Christian endeavor in Britain and North America. Of particular significance is the connection between churchly voluntary associations and the evangelical experience of the 19th century. Individual voluntary relationships and groups are an integral part of human socialization. This is the first bibliography and overview of individuals joining together under the banner of Christianity in order to satisfy this deep human need.

List of contents

Foreword by G. E. Gorman
Preface
The Origin and Evolution of an Idea
The Evolution of the Voluntary Society in Great Britain
Christian Voluntarism in North America Before 1900
The Function of Christian Voluntarism in British and North American Experience
Bibliography and Critical Assessment
Appendices
Author Index
Subject Index

About the author

William H. Brackney is currently the Pioneer MacDonald Professor of Baptist Studies and Ethics at Carey Theological College in Vancouver, BC.

Evan L. Colford is an MA student in Baptist Studies at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, and serves as pastor of Berwick Baptist Church, Berwick, Nova Scotia.

Product details

• Authors: William H. Brackney, Brackney William H.
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 25.04.1995
• EAN: 9780313284212
• ISBN: 978-0-313-28421-2
• Series: Bibliographies and Indexes in Religious Studies
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Dictionaries, reference works > Dictionaries, encyclopaedias; Religion, USA, Canada, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Philanthropy & Charity, RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Missions, RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Evangelism, REFERENCE / Bibliographies & Indexes, RELIGION / Christianity / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Volunteer Work, Christian mission & evangelism, Christianity, United Kingdom, Great Britain, United States of America, USA, Religious mission and Religious Conversion, Charities, Voluntary Services & Philanthropy, Charities, voluntary services and philanthropy, Bibliographies, catalogues