In this important study, Mark Toulouse maps the ambiguous landscape between American Christianity and American public life. Built on an extensive study of religious periodical literature since the mid-1950s and on an analysis of landmark events in American history, Toulouse develops an insightful typology for understanding how Americans have related their Christian faith to public life. For Toulouse, the relationship between American Christianity and American public life exists in four styles of interaction--iconic faith, priestly faith, the public Christian, and the public church--with each model appearing in various forms across the terrain of American history. Carefully examined and accessibly written, this study is sure to generate discussion and bring clarity to the many ambiguities and diversities that continue to mark American Christianity.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
Published: 11/17/2006
ISBN: 9780664229139
Pages: 269
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.10w x 0.80d
Award: Book of the Year - Winner

Review Citations: Library Journal 12/01/2006 pg. 132
Library Journal 01/01/2007 pg. 116
Christian Century 05/01/2007 pg. 42
Commonweal 07/18/2008 pg. 22