Book Description

Most accounts of Canada and the First World War either ignore or merely mention in passing the churches' experience. Canadian Churches and the First World War addresses this surprising neglect, exploring the marked relationship between Canada's 'Great War' and Canadian churches in intricate detail. The authors of this volume provide a detailed summary of various Christian traditions and the war, both synthesising and furthering previous research. In addition to examining the experience of Roman Catholics (English and French speaking), Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans, Mennonites, and Quakers, there are chapters on precedents formed during the South African War, the work of military chaplains, and the roles of church women on the home front. Reprinted in the centenary year of the conflict's outbreak, Canadian Churches and the First World War acts as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact the Great War had on Canada - and the rest of the world - in the early twentieth century. It will inspire those with a keen interest in theological, military and women's history, along with academics and students whose areas of research cover the monumental events of 1914-18. This article gives an exquisite insight into the stance of the Canadian churches during the First World War. - Martin Grechat, Theologische Literatur Zeitung 141. Jahrgang, Heft 4, April 2016