Transpacific Evangelicalism in the Twentieth Century

Within the first twenty years of the 21st century, we have heard how a massive shift from the global north to the global south and from west to east has taken place, but a comprehensive view that enables the reader to understand exactly how that has happened remains hidden. Transpacific Evangelicalism in the Twentieth Century: Revival and Evangelism in America and Korea provides the reader with a means to view clearly how American evangelicals went overseas and turned the local into the global, or more clearly, acted as midwives in the birthing of world Christianity.

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Having known Dr. Purinton for almost ten years and having sat in his classes as he taught the faculty from OMS and KEHC partner schools from eight different countries during the Wesleyan Holiness Summer Study Program hosted at Seoul Theological University, I am excited to commend this book to your attention. Dr. Purinton captures well the varied strands of evangelicalism and skillfully weaves in very important items for both the general reader and those from OMS. Highlights are the introduction to evangelicalism, a chronological journey through 120 years, the fourfold gospel, and the history of OMS. His approach is well organized and illuminating along with ample references to give the reader a flowing perspective of the development of essential elements of evangelicalism. The concluding chapter is both a winsome call and heartfelt plea for a new generation of apostle-theologians who understand and will apply the fourfold gospel, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, and Luther’s Word and Spirit.

Rev. Dr. William H Vermillion, PhD

Team member, OMS  Theological Leadership Education and Discipleship