Review by Choice Review
Historian Smith (St. Gregory's Univ., Oklahoma) traces almost 100 years of American Indian religious debates with and within the Southern Methodist Church in the Indian Territory that became Oklahoma. In his narrative, Smith clearly illustrates the conflict between Methodist structural authority and Indian congregations. This organizational feature or, as was often the case with Methodist circuit riders, lack of structure highlights the space between Indian autonomy and Methodist control. The author's strong examples, connections, and handling of an enormous history and historiography frame a larger story about American Indians' status in Christian and US society. This well-researched, engaging story enriches histories of missionary work among Indian peoples and helps explain the tension between the creation of peoples whose religious lives were, according to some, in need of the power of "civilization" and "uplift" that could be found in Christianity. As such, it is a recommended addition to the literature on the history of Methodism, missionary work, and Indian relations, with a focus on religious concerns surrounding displaced Native peoples. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels/libraries. --Andrew R McKee, Florida State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
