I took some time this morning to finish up my reading of Mark A. Granquist's upcoming release "A History of Christianity in America," a journey through the history of American Christianity that is remarkably comprehensive yet feels relaxed and accessible and remarkably engaging.

I will admit that one of the ways I quietly judge a book on Christian history is by how much of my eclectic theological journey is reflected in it. I was constantly amazed at how often Granquist acknowledged pieces of my own background that seldom make their way into books on religious history. From my childhood in Jehovah's Witnesses to my years engaged with Vineyard Christian Fellowship to my dabbling in Unitarian-Universalism, New Thought, and others, Granquist has a good majority of it here. For several years, I was licensed in Church of the Brethren ministry - it's here. Finally, and perhaps most familiar, I'm now a member of a Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) here in Indianapolis and, of course, it's referenced throughout Granquist's writing.

Granquist's writing understands that the story of Christianity in America is fascinating, complex, and filled with a myriad of twists and turns. "A History of Christianity in America" strikes me as a remarkable place to begin the deep dive into American Christianity and would be a marvelous option for college religion programs. It is, at least for me, perhaps a little too introductory level for seminaries, however, I'll also acknowledge that Granquist does an amazing job of explaining how different threads connect and how certain divisions happened.

As someone who was reading an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC), I wasn't privy to what will eventually be a myriad of illustrative elements - images, maps, and timelines. However, Granquist incorporates a variety of letters and sidebars that are beautifully used and so helpful.

Granquist speaks to both conservative and progressive elements of Christianity. He explores three centuries of American religious life including African-American communities, European denominations, and the various issues (slavery, peace, the changing roles of women) influencing American Christianity.

If there's a lacking, I'd have wished for at least some diving into the disability community and religion - just about the only community ignored here.

This relatively minor quibble aside, this is a remarkable collection that is engaging, informative, and comprehensively resourced. In fact, I've already started diving into the resources. Granquist writes in a way that is clear, concise, insightful, and seems to not be shaped by his own beliefs but finds its roots in actual history.

While a book on Christian history in America may not be for everyone, this 400-page journey will please anyone interested in the subject or anyone who really wants to explore where it all began, where it's been, where it is, and where it seems to be going.

Highly recommend.

If you are interested in learning about the start of Christianity in America through the present, A History of Christianity in America by Mark A Granquist is an excellent and very in-depth book covering the early beginnings starting in the 1700s to the present time. This book may also be helpful resource for students studying Christian history in high school or college.

I learned a lot about the history of the churches, people involved, theologians, and the many different denominations and the areas where churches were started in our country. While the author provided the information in an easy to understand format, there was so much information throughout the book that I took in, that I would recommend reading this slowly over time, as it is a 400 page book.

I read this from my kindle as an early advanced copy, and I see there are places where there will be illustration and/or graphs. Which will make this book much interesting to read, so I would recommend a hard-copy of this book for that reason.

Granquist’s A History of Christianity in America is a sweeping, yet engaging, look at how Christianity has shaped, and been shaped by, the American experience. The book covers a vast timeline, from the earliest colonial settlements through to the present day, and provides a clear and thoughtful exploration of the key movements, figures, and social forces that have influenced the development of Christianity in the U.S.

One of the things I really appreciated about Granquist’s approach is how accessible the book is, even though it tackles a complex and often dense subject matter. His writing is straightforward and easy to follow, making it approachable for both people new to the topic and for those with more background in church history or American religious studies. Granquist does an excellent job of breaking down complex theological and historical ideas without dumbing them down. He’s scholarly but never dry, which is a rare balance to strike.

The real strength of the book lies in how Granquist connects the dots between faith and culture. He traces the influence of Christianity not just on theological and doctrinal developments, but on major cultural and political movements throughout American history. From the early Protestant settlers and their struggles in the New World, to the religious revivals of the 18th and 19th centuries, to the way Christianity has interacted with issues like race, gender, and politics, Granquist paints a nuanced picture of how Christianity both shaped and responded to American society. His treatment of the role of Christianity in social justice movements, like abolitionism and Civil Rights, is especially insightful.

What also stands out is how Granquist never shies away from the more complicated and often uncomfortable parts of American Christian history. He doesn’t gloss over the contradictions, whether it's the relationship between religion and slavery, or the way Christianity has often been used to justify exclusion or oppression. His honesty in addressing these tensions makes the book feel more grounded in reality.

Overall, the book is a thoughtful, comprehensive, and engaging work that will resonate with anyone interested in understanding the role of Christianity in shaping American culture. Granquist’s ability to present a wide array of perspectives and to make complex ideas digestible is a major plus. Whether you're coming at this from a historical, religious, or cultural angle, this book offers a rich and informative look at Christianity's deep roots in the American experience.