Torn Asunder: The Civil War and the 1906 Division of the Disciples

by Ben Brewster

short book about the division of the Disciples of Christ.

Genres: Christian

Paperback

First published August 2, 2006

Reviews

[Ben B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise treatment of a multi-layered topic. Not even a religious Movement focused on unity and the authority of the Bible could survive unscathed from the far-reaching repercussions of the Civil War. This book introduces the personalities of the American Restoration Movement, the issues they faced, and the reasons for this historic split that gave rise to the modern iterations of the Disciples of Christ, the Independent Christian Church, and the Churches of Christ. Torn Asunder is a short read, but informative. Plus, I know the author pretty well. He's somewhat of a recluse, but a relatively nice guy.

[James Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, but helpful book on why the movement divided. Although to simple at times, it lays a great burden on David Lipscomb and his choice to say the movement divided in 1906. It is helpful if you want to get the very basics on some of the causes of division (i.e., slavery issue, music, pacifism, Missionary society). Would tell anyone to read it to get a glimpse of the division.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting history of the Restoration Movement. It’s fascinating that a split was inevitable, as the movement has continued to split and splinter over a variety of issues and topics…some serious (supper for an orphan home) and some flat out stupid (carpet color in the auditorium).

[Bill Hooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book began as a Master's Thesis in Church History from Cincinnati Bible Seminary, and contains some really good material about a very difficult time in the history of the American Restoration Movement. Personally, I have long believed that the Mason-Dixon line had as much to do with the division between the churches of Christ and the Disciples of Christ, as any doctrinal argument. After reading this volume, I still believe that. It seems to me, that the animosity between the north and the south spurred on the disagreement over certain doctrinal areas. As the rhetoric grew stronger over the doctrinal discussion, the animosity crystallized the division. I appreciate the research that Ben Brewster did for this volume, and the order in which he arranged the material. As a continuing student of the history of my fellowship, it was interesting, and fascinating. Any one that has an interested in this particular vein of church history, in my opinion, would be enriched by reading this material. The only reason for a 3 star reading is the brevity of the material, it basically just whets your appetite for a more complete understanding.

[Kevan Peer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an analytical church history book, so not a page turner, and not even an easy read, for it deals in depth with some doctrinal issues, yet it was helpful to my seeing bigger themes overarching history.