Divided Hearts: The Presbyterian Journey through Oklahoma History

In their comprehensive history of the Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma, Michael Cassity and Danney Goble explore how Oklahoma Presbyterians have responded to societal, theological, and divided church challenges, highlighting the church's efforts to address slavery, industrial society, depression, war, racial injustice, and life and faith issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 364 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press

Guided by a penchant for self-reflection and thoughtful discussion, Presbyterians have long been pulled in conflicting directions in their perceptions of their shared religious mission—with a tension that sometimes divides hearts as well as congregations. In this first comprehensive history of the Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma, historians Michael Cassity and Danney Goble reveal how Oklahoma Presbyterians have responded to the demands of an evolving society, a shifting theology, and even a divided church.

Beginning with the territorial period, Cassity and Goble examine the dynamics of Presbyterian missions among the Five Tribes in Indian Territory and explain how Presbyterians differed from other denominations. As they trace the Presbyterian journey, they examine the way Presbyterians addressed the evil of slavery and the dispossession of Oklahomas Indians; the challenges of industrial society; the modern issues of depression, war, and racial injustice; and concerns of life and faith with which other Americans have also struggled.

An insightful and independent history that draws upon firsthand accounts of congregations and church members across the state, Divided Hearts attests to the courage of Presbyterians in dealing with their struggles and shows a church very much at work—and at home—in Oklahoma.

Weight: 689g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780806186498