Review by Choice Review
This study of the relation between theology and ethics in four major 19th-century American Protestant thinkers is a welcome addition to the small but growing number of monographs devoted to the history of the development of Christian thought in the American context. The heart of the argument is that there is a direct correlation between the doctrine of regeneration and ethics, a link that the author explores with insight and creativity in a work that illuminates the theological and ethical dimensions of 19th-century American Protestantism. Hewitt presents a picture of vitality, complexity, and diversity between and among the four major figures selected: Charles Finney, for whom regeneration meant a new disposition to benevolence; Charles Hodge, for whom regeneration resulted in new knowledge; John W. Nevin, for whom regeneration meant a new personality; and Horace Bushnell, for whom regeneration was a renewed character. The importance of Hewitt's work is that it moves beyond the vitality and pluralism of 19th-century American Protestant life to force a reassessment of the equally vital and pluralistic nature of 19th-century American Protestant theology. Recommended for upper-division undergraduate students, theological and graduate school students, and faculty.-B. M. Stephens, Pennsylvania State University, Delaware County Campus
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
