Whitney R. Cross (1913–1955)

In my opinion, we cannot understood the religious attitude of the today's Christian mind and the political culture without referring back to the "burned-over district," even after 170 years! 1800 to 1850 seems to be a time of Christian revival and extremism, religious enthusiasm, rise in political engagement against the culture, and the birth of various "christian" cults, some that still exist or have influence today, including fanaticism with respect to the Millennium. Reading this book, I could not help but realize that revival is even more complicated, vulnerable, and susceptible to the surrounding cultural and political environment than I could have ever guessed. Anyone who has any real interest in American revivals needs to read this.

By the way, Cross discusses revivals under Finney in a somewhat extensive manner (which is why I bought the book but, reading it, got more than I bargained for).… (meer)