Suggestion from the Pastor
Worldly Saints: The Puritans As They Really Were
by Leland Ryken
Pastor’s Description
For those of us living in a culture where the word “Puritan” conjures up all sorts of negative ideas, Worldly Saints is a refreshing look at those men and women who had a profound impact, not only on English and American Protestant Christianity, but on both of these cultures as well. In this volume, Leland Ryken brings to light the positive aspects of the Puritan movement as it impacted the modern work ethic, family life, worship, education and social action. Nevertheless, the author does not simply paint a glowing account of earlier Christians, while ignoring the negative aspects of this important group, but balances their strengths and achievements with their inadequacies and failures.
Rather than a dry and sterile treatment of a little known aspect of western civilization, Worldly Saints is a lively and enjoyable examination of a very misunderstood attempt to live for Christ in the world without being of the world.
The reader may be somewhat surprised at the level of influence that Puritanism (in its best sense as well as its worst) has had on our own culture. The Forward, by J.I. Packer is a true gem as it offers great insight into the importance of understanding this movement.
I highly recommend this book for those that are interested in knowing how theology impacts life and learning from those that went before us or for those that just want to relax and read an uplifting and interesting work on a movement that still impacts our society, culture and religion today.
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