Prophet, Pastor, and Patriarch

Download or read book Prophet, Pastor, and Patriarch written by Peter Verkruyse and published by University Alabama Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines the rhetorical strategies employed by Alexander Campbell, a key figure in the "Stone-Campbell" or Restoration movement, which eventually comprised one of the largest religious sects in nineteenth century America and gave rise to three major contemporary church groups: The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Churches of Christ, and the independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. Campbell was the dominant voice in this movement for four decades. Peter Verkruyse studies Campbell's sermons, lectures, debates, letters, and journals to discover the extent to which Campbell's leadership depended upon his discursive practices. Through close readings, Verkruyse finds that a significant reason for the breadth and duration of Campbell's influence was his keen sense of the demands of rhetorical situations. As his movement evolved over time, Campbell faced radically different rhetorical circumstances, and his ability to adapt his rhetoric to the exigencies and constraints of these situations generated for him an evolving leadership ethos--first as prophet, then as pastor, and finally as patriarch. Fundamentally a study of religious rhetoric as a tool of leadership, this work also makes an important contribution to the canon of nineteenth century American religious history. Peter A. Verkruyse is Associate Professor of Communication at the Illinois College and coauthor of The College Press NIV Commentary: Hebrews