The 60-Second Guide to Denominations: Understanding Protestant Churches of North America

By Shelley Steig and Dashka Slater

Book Overview

This easy-to-use, non-biased resource guide to all the major denominations in the US includes a summary of doctrinal beliefs, and is perfect for the new believer or the long-time Christian. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0529107708
• ISBN13: 9780529107701
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Resource for Learning about Protestant Denominations

I discovered this book while browsing through a book store and wondering if such a book existed. It is a wonderful resource for finding information on the official beliefs and practices of almost every major Protestant denomination in the United States. Profiles of over 150 denominations are included. Each profile features the denomination's official stand on numerous theological and social issues, including abortion, baptism, capital punishment, Communion, divorce and remarriage, homosexuality, inspiration of Scripture, speaking in tongues, and the Trinity. A brief history of each denomination is also included. This information would be very useful to people who are looking for a new church but who would like to narrow down their choices based on certain issues on which they definitely want the church to be in agreement with them. It would also be excellent for anyone who is interested in learning more about the numerous denominations that can be found in the U.S.Some of the other reviewers have criticized this book for only including a limited amount of information. It is true that there is not a great deal of detail due to the enormous number of denominations and issues covered, but the end of each denomination's listing includes a physical address, telephone number, and web address, so it is easy for the reader to locate additional information. Also, most issues are not dealt with by a single sentence. Many issues are covered by paragraphs of substantial length, and there is virtually always enough information for a church's stand on an issue to be clear to a reader without having to do any further research. It is also true that only bodies of Protestant Christianity are included, and I agree that it would be useful to include other groups. Other books that I recommend are Carmen Renee Berry's The Unauthorized Guide to Choosing a Church, which includes the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, and Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill, and Craig D. Atwood's The Handbook of Denominations in the United States, which includes non-Christian religions. These books have many other differences as well, so I recommend that they all be used to get a more complete picture of the various churches. Shelly Steig's book would be excellent for anyone looking for a new church of a different Protestant denomination or wanting to learn more about the differences between denominations.

Interesting and comprehensive

Although I am already a church member, I am interested in other Protestant denominations. I found this book to be a fascinating and well researched overview of Protestant denominations in America. I realize that some feel it should have covered Catholic and other religious groups, but obviously its purpose was to show what major Protestant groups teach and believe. I recommend it highly.

I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the Catholic info

It is helpful if you come from a certain background to realize what those beliefs are and if you are seeking a new church home in regards to your personal faith and beliefs this is extremely helpful. The cover is very attractive and the depth of information is well done and precise. I have a Catholic background and look forward to a possible addendum to this book which will cover that denomination. I enjoy being the coordinator of Christian Education and Youth Ministries here at Faith Presbyterian Church here in La Vista Nebraska and will definitely use this book in my library and as a resource here at Faith. The author has definitley done her homework. I believe every church and denomination would benefit from having this book as a resource in their library and in their Christian Education office. It is very helpful in studying and learning what different denominations believe and where they are at in the spectrum of biblical issues and perspectives. You are also given contact points and references for more information and details.

A most useful book for those in search of a Church.

Shelly Steig in her book "Finding the Right Church" has done an excellent job of compiling information about Protestant denominations. This book provides information that allows one to make a prudent decision based on some of the essential questions that most Christians would/should ask of a denomination's belief structure. This book was not designed to argue doctrine or ideology but provides a person with the means to find like-minded people as it relates to their ethics, morals and personal view of their relationship with Jesus Christ. I like the fact that this book is focused. It would be difficult to include every type of religion that is in existence in the world today. I for one have learned new information about my own church's views and am thankful for Shelly's desire to help others in their walk with God/Jesus Christ.