In an exciting reinterpretation of the early nineteenth century, Leo Hirrel demonstrates the importance of religious ideas by exploring the relationship between religion and reform efforts during a crucial period in American history. The result is a work that moves the history of antebellum reform to a higher level of sophistication.Hirrel focuses upon New School Congregationalists and Presbyterians who served at the forefront of reform efforts and provided critical leadership to anti-Catholic, temperance, antislavery, and missionary movements. Their religion was an attempt to reconcile traditional Calvinist language with the prevalent intellectual trends of the time. New School theologians preserved Calvinist language about depravity, but they incorporated an assertion of nominal human ability to overcome sin and a belief in the fixed, immutable nature of truth.Describing both the origins of New School Calvinism and the specific reform activities that grew out of these beliefs, Hirrel provides a fresh perspective on the historical background of religious controversies.

The clean-cut, personable young men who knock on your door are shining examples of Christian behaviour. They seem almost impervious to the evil in the word today; but behind their glib patter and friendly faces is a well-organised, fast-growing sect which claims to have its roots in Christianity. Anyone approached by Mormons should be armed with a good understanding of the spurious teaching and strange history of this unique sect. Kieron Wood has written a fascinating account of the origins and growth of Mormonism from the birth in 1805 of its founder, Joseph Smith, to the success of the church today.