Whitney R. Cross (1913–1955)

In my opinion, we cannot understood the religious attitude of the today's Christian mind and the political culture without referring back to the "burned-over district," even after 170 years! 1800 to 1850 seems to be a time of Christian revival and extremism, religious enthusiasm, rise in political engagement against the culture, and the birth of various "christian" cults, some that still exist or have influence today, including fanaticism with respect to the Millennium. Reading this book, I show more could not help but realize that revival is even more complicated, vulnerable, and susceptible to the surrounding cultural and political environment than I could have ever guessed. Anyone who has any real interest in American revivals needs to read this.

By the way, Cross discusses revivals under Finney in a somewhat extensive manner (which is why I bought the book but, reading it, got more than I bargained for). show less

Written in 1950, this can be quite a slog. However, it is vital to anyone interested in the evolution of American Christianity, including revivalism, end of the world millenialism, or the offshoot sects of the Oneidas, Mormons, Spiritualists, Seventh Day Adventists, the Swedenborgs and others.

Largely neglected in this account are the socio-political contributions of the District to the American trajectory. Abolition, free love, and women's rights were a large part of the area along with the show more religious fire that it is known for. The Finger Lakes not only is where the Seneca Falls Convention took place but also where Harriet Tubman settled in part with the support of abolitionists she knew there. Lily Dale, the Spiritualist community, still active near Chautauqua Lake hosted Susan B. Anthony lectures more times than anywhere else.

The Burned-over district is a major contributor to American history the study of which is sadly neglected now. show less