The Presbyterian controversy : fundamentalists, modernists, and moderates /

Longfield examines the controversy that disrupted the life of the Presbyterian Church in the US from 1922 to 1936 and culminated in the reorganization of Princeton Theological Seminary, the creation of Westminster Seminary, schism, and the formation of the conservative Presbyterian Church of America as much of Presbyterianism moved toward a more moderate theology. Crucial personalities in each of three camps designated as fundamentalists, modernists, and moderates are sketched as the author considers their contributions to the conflict. The conceptualization of this project and its methodology reveal the influence of George Marsden whose Fundamentalism and American Culture (1980) addressed the rise of fundamentalism in the period just prior to that examined here; and, like the Marsden volume, Longfield's study represents superb scholarship. His study not only clarifies the history of the conflict that divided the Presbyterian Church a half century ago but also contributes to an understanding of conficts that have divided many American Protestant denominations since that time. Extensive notes, bibliography, and index contribute to the value of this study; and it deserves a place in college and research libraries. -S. C. Pearson, Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville