Description
Book SynopsisPlacing the execution sermon in its ritual and literary context, this book explores three interrelated themes - human sinfulness, the economy of conversion, and the nature and function of civil government. This book explores how theological interpretations evolved in relation to larger cultural trends in Early New England.
Trade ReviewAdmirably well-organized and clearly written. [Seay] demonstrates a superb grasp of the history of preaching and criminal justice and the cultural history of colonial New England.
-- W. Clark Gilpin, University of Chicago Divinity School
Seay's book will complement and complete previous scholarship.... [I]t joins several fine books that are together creating a new school of thinking about early American religious history.
-- Philip Goff, Director, Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One: The Contexts of the Execution Sermon
Chapter Two: Human Sinfulness
Chapter Three: The Economy of Conversion
Chapter Four: Civil Government
Chapter Five: A New Moral Discourse
Conclusion
Notes
Works Cited
Index
