The Practice of Piety: The Theology of the Midwestern Reformed Church in America, 1866-1966

"This is a magnificent introduction to the rich and many-faceted theology of the Midwestern Reformed Church of America. The author has left no stone unturned in doing his research on this subject, utilizing archives, correspondence, journals, and books to show us what a surprisingly rich harvest there is in this period of Reformed Church history. This is a fascinating story which should be of interest to many people beyond the bounds of the Midwestern Reformed Church." - I. John Hesselink, emeritus professor of theology, Western Theological Seminary "With the instincts of a historian and the affection of a child of the RCA, Gene Heideman has accessed both Dutch and English sources in order to introduce us to the unique theology and piety of the Midwestern section of our denomination from 1866 to 1966. Through the words of pastors, professors, and parishioners, he has fleshed out the Dutch pilgrims of the 19th century who found their roots in the Netherlands but their fruit in America. Accessing the Dutch language newspaper De Hope, and the writings and lectures of a century of Western Seminary professors, the history of the RCA in the Midwest has come alive. This book is a gracious and winsome invitation to its readers and other scholars to dig deeper and understand more fully the theological and ethnic heritage of those who have helped ground our past and thus form our future." - Gregg A. Mast, president, New Brunswick Theological Seminary