For a Continuing Church: The Roots of the Presbyterian Church in America

Dr Lucas does an excellent job of telling the story about the history of the PCA in a way that sounds like a discussion over a cup of coffee. It is not dry history at all. If you want a readable story about the PCA this is excellent. I have to confess there was so much info there that was new to me. I became a member of the PCA way back in 1993 and know of some of the characters in the book personally---the late DJK and Kennedy Smart to name a few. I am even a graduate of Knox Seminary. I have to confess that I never had any idea that the PCA had any racial issues in its past until recently. Although the author is in favor of the 1960's Civil Rights Movement, this book can be read and enjoyed by those who still question that movement. I just didn't know there was such a history in the PCA. As I read the book and thought about today's Civil Rights Activists, white guilt, micro aggressions, structural racism and slavery reparations, it actually made me wish I could live in a community that wasn't so obsessed with racial issues. The PCA isn't a racist denomination. Yes, there is a history of racial segregation in the south, but that is no longer the case. Anyone reading this book should not get angry with the founders of the PCA. Dr Lucas is just telling us the history of the PCA. A lot of history has happened since the founding of the PCA. I would like to thank Dr Lucas for being so willing to give a history that might otherwise have been forgotten or "air brushed" to suit today's PC culture. Only by telling the story in all of its details can we see the way forward which might be in a direction that looks to the past for answers.

Those who like their history sanitized and scrubbed won't enjoy this book, but it is well worth the read.Lucas traces over the course of the 20th century the background leading to the formation of the Presbyterian Church in America in 1973. Courageous ministers and laymen took stands for biblical authority, evangelical commitments, and the reformed faith in the face of growing heterodoxy and authoritarianism in the southern Presbyterian Church.If only the story could be told fully in those terms! The same Presbyterian conservatives that defended orthodoxy most often also wanted to defend the southern way of life, including commitments to racism and segregation that they claimed were rooted in the Bible. While the stain of racism was diminishing to some degree by the time of the PCA's founding in 1973 largely due to younger ministers who repudiated that past, it is still necessary to recognize the role that the south's racial culture played in conservative Presbyterian's 20th century.This is an important story, well told.I gave four stars rather than five, as I would have liked to see more about conservatives in the south prior to 1950 that disagreed with the majority. Does silence in that regard in this work mean that there were none? It would be interesting to know.That said, this book is readable and meticulously researched. I highly recommend it.

I was concerned about the racist roots of the PCA, and I bought this book to learn more. I'm glad. The book didn't pull any punches on detailing the sins of the PCUS (Southern Presbyterians) during slavery and Jim Crow. I was relieved to read about how the Church which emerged as the PCA has repented that wicked heritage and has worked to make amends and build racial reconciliation and justice while being faithful to the scriptures.

I liked the thorough research to the extent that it focused on the PCUS, with which I was not as familiar as I wanted to be.Four aspects are both criticisms and encouragements: (1) Condense the current length by reducing the number of times conservative essentials are presented--I realize it may have been used to ensure readers of chapters only got the message--but it became boring. (2) Main arguments of the liberals of the PCUS were not clear. (3) More history of how the RPCES (college and seminary included) developed and the issues of joining and receiving would make the picture more interesting. (4) Racial reconciliation could be more fully fleshed out, but that might require another book!Best book I have come across on the subject!

Very informative and helpful in understanding the history of my denomination. History has to be taught so that future generations will know the ground on which they are standing, but also so that they can see how the truth needs to be wisely applied in their times and contexts. This book will help young churchmen to interpret the past, respond to the present and prepare for a future that will be more just.

Very, very detailed history of the PCA. Great historical read for those in the PCA and any other Presbyterian denominational branch. Good reminder for the conservative values that these men fought for.

Great introduction to history of the southern Presbyterianism and the beginning of the Presbyterian Church in America. As a northerner joining the PCA it was helpful to understand both the negative and positives of its history.

Helped me understand our past and gave clarity and encouragement for the next part of our journey. I enjoyed it.