A very abbreviated history, especially the last two chapters covering up to present day, but for an introductory, brief book, it did the job. Helpful to have websites and other recommended reading to expand upon each chapter, right there at the end of each one. ( )

NCLA Review - This is a fascinating and comprehensive overview, from churches transplanted to colonial America to interfaith dialogue following 9/11. Koester shows how America shaped its churches and how the churches helped shape the country. This paperback contains an amazing wealth of information, further supplemented in each chapter by Suggestions for Further Reading, websites, and discussion questions. Not to mention the map and timeline and back-of-the-book notes, plus glossary, bibliography, and index. For a book intended for college and seminary students as well as other interested parties, it is surprisingly readable. Before and at our nation’s birth the United States was “religious at its core,” and despite its predominately secular culture some would say it still is. With the perspective of years, Koester sets forth the visions that beckoned Christians in this virgin land, and notes to what extent they were realized or dashed, a process that continues to this day. I heartily recommend this extremely informative and balanced book. Rating: 4—DKW ( )