Elesha J. Coffman

Elesha Coffman, a historian of American Christianity and professor at Baylor University, discusses her book on The Christian Century magazine and its connection to mainline Protestantism. They delve into the complexities of defining mainline traditions and explore the evolution of American church history. Elesha reveals how cultural shifts and historical events, like World War I, impacted religious practices. She also highlights unique stories from the archives of the Religion News Service and reflects on the isolation of educated clergy in both past and present contexts.

Dr. Elesha J. Coffman, a historian and Professor of History at Baylor University, dives into America's rich Christian heritage. She shares her transformation from disliking religious history to embracing it passionately. They discuss the diverse origins of churches, the impact of immigration on religious practices, and how language has evolved in services. Dr. Coffman highlights the stability of Orthodox churches versus shifts in Catholicism and Protestantism, and the challenges of adapting to cultural changes in contemporary America.

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