This book gives a personal insight into the hearts and minds of a fundamentalist Christian sect, the Open Brethren. Using Brethren magazine articles, obituaries, and testimonies, Peter Herriot argues that the Brethren constitute a perfect example of a fundamentalism.

GlossaryIntroduction                                 Part 1: PerspectivesChapter 1. The Tight Brother’s TaleChapter 2. The Loose Brother’s TaleChapter 3. The Historian’s TaleChapter 4. The Psychologist’s TaleChapter 5. Brethren LivesChapter 6. Salvation and Service                       Part 2: AuthorityChapter 7. Conformity and BeliefChapter 8. Authority in ActionChapter 9. The Authority of the BibleChapter 10. The Authority of the Brother                                  Part 3: SeparationChapter 11. Separation and IdentityChapter 12. Pure from the WorldChapter 13. Separated from the SectsChapter 14. Apart from the Apostates                                  Part 4: Fundamentalism Chapter 15. An Archetypal FundamentalismChapter 16. The Brethren and Modernism       Chapter 17. Fundamentalism and ChristianityChapter 18. Religion and Globalisation

This book gives a personal insight into the hearts and minds of a fundamentalist Christian sect, the Open Brethren. Using Brethren magazine articles, obituaries, and testimonies, Peter Herriot argues that the Brethren constitute a perfect example of a fundamentalism. Their culture is entirely opposed to the beliefs, values, and norms of modernity. As a result, like other fundamentalisms they challenge modern Christianity and impede its efforts to engage with global society.

“This is a highly readable book exploring the dynamics of the faith of the author’s father, the Open Brethen. It is an especially valuable study showing that fundamentalism can be associated with peaceful withdrawal from the larger society rather than engaged in acts of violence directed against it.” (Ralph W. Hood, Jr., Professor of Psychology and Leroy M. Martin Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, USA)“Herriot gives us a gripping theological explanation of the movement, and one that is also complemented with a fine critique and moving autobiography that deals with his experiences of the Open Brethren. It is a compelling volume: one that blends insight, narrative, description and critical interpretation. Herriot’s account and reflection is handled with sensitivity, and it makes for a captivating volume. This book will have an enduring value for research in the field.” (Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, UK)

The first social scientific perspective on the Open BretherenStudies the Open Brethren from several perspectives, including historical and psychological accountsExamines the challenge of fundamentalism to modernity and globalization