Illusions of Innocence: Protestant Primitivism in America, 1630-1875

By Richard T. Hughes

Book Overview

Implicit in the rhetoric of American millennialism is the fundamental theme of restoration to a primitive, primeval innocence. Richard T. Hughes and C. Leonard Allen argue that from colonial times to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226359174
• ISBN13: 9780226359175
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Deep Look Into Restoration History

One might not be aware of the terms primitivism and primordial, but to have a deep understanding of the restoration movement these terms and concepts should be understood. The book is more than a foundational history of the restoration movement, but a history of the shaping of the American nation. One might wonder why there is this anti-historical feeling within the churches of Christ? This book deals with this notion of removing the stains of history to return to the ideal state. This feeling within the American culture produced some of the ideals within the restoration movement as well as in America government. This book is for those who have a scholarly background. It would be a waste of time for the average person. It also must be read by someone who has a developed vocabulary as a lot of the terms were over my head. It is in no way a easy read. But the book is excellent in detailing the background of certain attitudes within America and the churches of Christ. You will have a greater understanding for some of the presuppositions that people hold but do not know why they believe it that way.