The Anxious Bench (1844)

By John Williamson Nevin

Book Overview

The Anxious Bench is a book written by John Williamson Nevin and first published in 1844. It is a work of religious literature that explores the concept of conversion and the role of emotions in the process of spiritual transformation. The title of the book refers to a common practice in evangelical churches at the time, where those seeking salvation would sit on a bench at the front of the church, often in a state of anxiety and distress, waiting for a sign of God's grace. Nevin's book critiques this practice, arguing that it places too much emphasis on individual emotions and experiences, and not enough on the broader context of Christian tradition and community. He argues that true conversion involves a deepening of one's relationship with God, and a commitment to living a virtuous life in accordance with Christian teachings. The Anxious Bench is considered a classic work of American religious literature, and has been influential in shaping debates about the nature of conversion and the role of emotions in religious experience. It is also notable for its critique of the ""revival"" movement in American Protestantism, which emphasized emotional experiences and individual conversions over more traditional forms of religious practice.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 112072497X
• ISBN13: 9781120724977
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 154 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"