Every Leaf, Line, and Letter: Evangelicals and the Bible from the 1730s to the Present

The Bible has always been central to evangelicalism, though history shows that this biblicism was not always positively biblical. In this collection of historical studies, many theologians and historians dig deeper into the many uses that evangelicals have had of the Bible from the 1730s until present day.The unique thing about this book is that we get a glimpse into different eras, nations, races, and age groups as to how they have viewed the Bible and how this has impacted their use of it and their own Christian lives and values. Beginning in the 18th century, the essays begin with a look at evangelical preachers during the American Revolution as well as an examination of faith and biblical reasoning in the thought of Jonathan Edwards. In the 19th century, the issue of the misuses of Scripture for pro-slavery causes is discussed, as well as a rise in Children’s Bible culture and the Sunday School movement. Much of the issues in the 20th century center around liberal evangelicals and biblical criticism. There is also a whole chapter discussing the American Patriot’s Bible in the early 21st century and the changes in the evangelical mind in history and in a global context.There are many other topics surrounding evangelicals and the Bible written about in this book, and if you are a fan of history and the Bible, this is a great book for you. Like I mentioned earlier, you’ll find both uses and abuses of the Bible over our recent historical past, and this book does not hide any blemishes. At the same time, this collection of studies will give any reader (history buff or not), a better understanding of the history of Evangelicalism, as we all learn to faithfully and biblically live in our time and era.

What is America’s relationship with the Bible? Edited by Timothy Larsen, Every Leaf, Line, and Letter shares the story of evangelicals and the Bible from the 1730s to the present. This is a brilliant academic work of over 300 pages. With essays from David Bebbington, Thomas S. Kidd, Mark A. Noll, Jonathan Yeager and more -- it is an amazing collection of historical studies focused on the intersection of Scripture and America.The 18th CenturyThe book is divided into four parts. Part 1 looks at the 18th century, and I saw how early American history and patriotism impacted theology, Bible reading, and application. Hymns and a fascination with figural interpretation brought an interest in typology, with a desire to re-enchant Scripture and the natural world alongside the Enlightenment. The connections between the early American church and patriotism were eye-opening.The 19th CenturyAt the start of the 19th century, Part 2 shows how children’s Sunday School culture sought to encourage Biblical independence and literacy. I found this section to be especially captivating as a Sunday School teacher and lover of books. Scripture memorization was particularly important for empowerment. Young women were extremely important to the religious education of children. Anti-slavery intersected with the doctrine of Sola Scriptura and proved to be challenging. The themes of gender and race in this portion are remarkable.The 20th CenturyPart 3 begins the 20th century with polarization between the holiness movement, Pentecostals, and Baptists. Larsen’s chapter on Liberal Evangelicals and the Bible is illuminating, shining light on Canon Storr -- the most important figure in the Anglican Evangelical Group Movement. Malcolm Foley highlights three sermons by Francis Grimke, showing their focus on biblicism, activism, crucicentrism, and conversionism. The charismatic reanimated reading of Scripture is examined against the backdrop of the Cold War and the dawn of a “New Age.” To see these historical movements through their eyes is extremely valuable.The 21st Century and BeyondPart 4 and The final chapter launches us into the 21st century, with a look at The American Patriot’s Bible and American nationalism. The scope of this book is an epic undertaking. Each essay is interesting, scholarly, and thought-provoking. This book presents the hard facts, prompting difficult questions about what we have become and who we want to be. We would be wise to understand our history to better know where we are heading. As Evangelicals continue to champion the Bible, we must look at its Author for true spiritual growth.I received a media copy of Every Leaf, Line, and Letter and this is my honest review.

This is an eclectic collection. Each essay has its own angle. No author has an axe to grind. Each promotes the nuanced history of the Bible's relentless role in Anglo-American evangelicalism. The cumulative effect of the essays is encouragement of a better, more comprehensive, less narrowly secular, intellectual history. For me, the standout essays are: Bruce Hindmarsh declaring Hans Frei wrong about the "eclipse of biblical narrarative," Elise Leal showing the importance of young people as empowered intellectuals in Sunday school, Mark Noll analyzing biblicist anti-slavery literature before the Civil War, and Tim Larsen showing the poverty of "liberal evangelicals" at the turn of the twentieth century that pursue the "new" and devalue the authority of the Bible.

"Every Leaf, Line, And Letter" is a great read on the history of American Evangelicalism and the Bible through American History. The title is a compilation of several articles covering many topics on the subject, including:- Faith and free will by quoting early leaders like Jonathan Edwards and John Erskine.- How the Bible was used to justify slavery.- Teaching the Bible to children and young people.- Various spiritual renewals and awakenings.- The danger of emphasizing nationalism too much.Many other topics are covered. After reading enough of this title to understand its contents, here are some things I like about this book:- Written by authors of various viewpoints.- Easy to read and understand.- Very informative on how evangelicalism has been an important part of American history.- How evangelicalism has impacted American culture for better or worse (readers will differ on this).- How the Bible has impacted Americans over the centuries.Good read and recommended.