Founding the Fathers: Early Church History and Protestant Professors in Nineteenth-Century America

Elizabeth A. Clark delves into the complex relationship between early Christian history and the development of Protestant thought in nineteenth-century America. In her exploration, she highlights the influential role that Princeton professors played in shaping theological perspectives during this pivotal period. By examining their teachings, she reveals how these educators not only transmitted historical knowledge but also molded the faith and understanding of their students, impacting the broader Protestant landscape.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a transforming America, where religious beliefs were often interwoven with emerging intellectual currents. Clark demonstrates that the professors' interpretations of early church history were not merely academic; they were also a means of grappling with contemporary issues of faith, identity, and authority. Through her meticulous analysis, she provides a crucial perspective on the evolution of religious scholarship and its enduring influence on American Protestantism.