A Brief History of the Presbyterians

by James H. Smylie

A Brief History of the Presbyterians offers laity and clergy a succint and thorough introduction to the history of Presbyterianism. James Smylie chronicles the origins of the Reformed tradition and carries the sage through each subsequent era up to the eve of the twenty-first century, focusing on Presbyterianism in North America. All the major figures in the history of Presbyterianism, such as John Calvin, Francis Makemie, and John Witherspoon are included, as well as a host of others.

Genres: History, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Church History

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Ryan Jankowski]

There is some value to this book if you have little familiarity with Presby history. Smylie writes from an apostate perspective that identifies itself as Presbyterian, so his focus in the latter portions sway toward that direction. Even so, it's probably worth reading.

[David Goetz]

Informative but boring, heterodox, and written entirely without verve. Smylie is PCUSA, so the birth of the PCUSA is the apogee of Presbyterian history. My favorite part was when I found out Woodrow Wilson's dad's middle name was Ruggles. There's also a nice flow chart of Presbyterian history on p. 86.

[Peter Kiss]

Horribly dry and written from a non-Christian perspective. Barely even covered the development of orthodox Prebysterian denominations like the PCA which it mentioned once. The author was much more excited to talk about how progressive the church was becoming, with its acceptance of homosexuals, abortion, and women in ministry. Useless book, barebones, and heavily swayed in a liberal direction. Also, not interesting at all.

[Mwangi Gichinga]

Gichinga Mwangi

[Nancy Graham]

Excellent, digestible history of the Presbyterian flavor of Christianity.

[David Koch]

I had to read it for work. Full of facts. But dry and not for the layperson.

[Kristen Luppino]

Full of fun facts! I thought it was short and easy to read. I really enjoyed reading this!