This book was written by a scholar within the ranks of the churches of Christ stream of the Stone-Campbell religious tradition. The author's focus is the "churches of Christ," which as a distinct religious group was officially enumerated for the first time in the 1906 religious census of the USA. Its main numerical strength is in the mid-south (Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas, but congregations are found in all states).

The author suggests that in the late 1830s and 1840s, when Alexander Campbell "changed directions" regarding the "evils of organizations," that the "seeds of division" were sown among members of the Disciples of Christ, which eventually led to the 1906 division (pp. 5-15).

The bulk of the book goes on to describe how this "Distinct People," grew and matured, mainly in America, during the 1906 to 1965 period. (On page 265, the author states that "[T]he previous chapters, with a few exceptions, end more or less at 1965.") Numerous issues that emerged and festered within the churches of Christ stream are identified and discussed, along with personalities involved.

In general, those of the churches of Christ are more conservative than those of the Disciples of Christ (and later, when the Disciples split again, those of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ). The author states that "The very nature of churches of Christ invites tension and even the ultimate solution to these tensions -- division." (p. 290)

Hence, over time, four "ultra conservative factions" emerged, led by what the author terms "insurgents": 1) One-cup (for partaking of communion) churches, 2) Non-Sunday school churches, 3) Premillennial churches, 4) Noninstitutional (the church treasury may not be used to support orphan homes or colleges, for example) churches (p. 290). While each faction believes it wrong to use an instrument in worship, and use the name church of Christ, they do not fellowship with one another. Strong personalities associated with each are identified and discussed.

Also, since the 1960s, individuals and some churches have moved to the left by endorsing graduate education and/or engagement with those of other faith groups. (p. 294f).

Persons within the Stone-Campbell religious tradition (members of the Disciples of Christ or Christian Churches of Christ, for example) and outside the "churches of Christ," were (or are) typically termed "digressive," that is, they do not agree with the view that only believes, acts, and behaviors practiced by the New Testament church are "authorized," and hence, must be adhered to or followed.

The book is easy to read and well-documented. It includes appendices on: 1) timeline of churches of Christ, 2) journals and papers mentioned in the book, and 3) Christian Colleges (associated only with the churches of Christ) presidents and their terms, a bibliography, a person index, and a general index.

I read this book for the first time in 2015, so I expect that many "updates" could be made. I am happy to have read this book and have it in my library. ( )