The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia   By: William James Miller

In "The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia" by William James Miller, readers are presented with a comprehensive resource that delves into the intricate world of organized religion. This extensive dictionary and cyclopedia not only offers definitions of theological terms but also provides a wealth of historical and cultural context surrounding various religious practices.

The book impresses with its thoroughness and meticulous attention to detail. Miller's vast knowledge shines through as he delves into the intricacies of different denominations, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the American church landscape. Whether readers are laypersons or seasoned theologians, this dictionary caters to a wide range of audiences due to its informative and accessible nature.

One notable aspect of the book is its inclusion of a cyclopedia alongside the traditional dictionary format. This offers readers a more holistic perspective on religious concepts, providing historical, sociological, and even geographical insights that enrich the overall reading experience. Miller's ability to interweave these dimensions allows readers to grasp the broader implications and impact of religion on American society.

While it is comprehensive, the book's layout could be overwhelming for some readers. Due to the vast amount of information it encompasses, some may struggle to navigate through the entries in a fluid manner. However, the thorough index and cross-referencing system do aid in mitigating this potential drawback.

Additionally, the book's approach presents a primarily American-centered view of religion. While this is expected given the title, readers interested in a more global perspective may find this limitation restricting. However, the comprehensive exploration of American religious institutions and practices compensates for this to a great extent.

"The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of religious terminology and the intricate workings of American churches. Miller's expertise and dedication to detail are evident in every aspect of this book, making it a valuable addition to the library of theologians, students, and curious individuals alike. Whether used as a reference guide or read cover to cover, this dictionary-cyclopedia fusion will undoubtedly enrich the reader's knowledge and appreciation of religion in the American context.

First Page:

The writer of the following pages has long been convinced, from an experience of many years in the Ministry, that a great desideratum among Church people is a Church Dictionary, especially one not so expensive as the more costly works, and at the same time something more complete and satisfactory than a mere glossary of terms. What seems to be needed is an inexpensive, handy volume, "short enough for busy people, plain enough for common people, cheap enough for poor people," yet complete enough to give the information needed. The present work was undertaken with this object in view. It was thought "worth while"; for if words are things, then greater familiarity with the phraseology of the Church will lead to greater knowledge "of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." What is here set forth is really a HANDY BOOK OF READY REFERENCE arranged in alphabetical order ; and while some of the articles may seem to be too brief, yet the system of cross references adopted, it is believed, will throw considerable light on subjects where it is employed and thus enables the book to be kept within the limits already specified... Continue reading book >>