"This fine piece of scholarship presents a systematic application of sociological models to a movement whose heart and soul is sectarian... A remarkably readable book of religio-sociological research... Highly recommended." - Library Journal "A concise historical/sociological study of an important but often neglected denomination." - Choice "In the first part of her book, Vance gives an overview of Adventist origins ... Read more,beliefs, organization and contemporary controversies. This concise, scholarly summary alone makes the book worthwhile... Well researched and clearly ... written, Vance's work makes an outstanding contribution to the understanding not only of Adventism but also of the dynamics of sectarian development and interaction with the wider society." - David F. White, Christian Century "A valuable case study of the intersection of women and religion, of the leadership of women in marginal religions, and of the importance of gender to the preservation of sectarian authority and distinction."
Religious Studies Review "Will surely be of interest to scholars who study religion, gender, and social change... Provides a holistic analysis of a religious tradition that has undergone great change since its emergence and continues to redefine itself as we enter the next millennium." - John P. Bartkowski, American Journal of Sociology ADVANCE PRAISE "A skillful and rich telling of the Adventist story, as valuable for its concise introduction to the history of the movement as for its examination of current struggles. This is an important contribution to how we understand what it means to be sectarian."- Nancy Tatom Ammerman, author of Bible Believers and Baptist Battles "This is a prodigious work of scholarship. As [Vance] is not an Adventist herself and has no Adventist background, I find her understanding of the inner workings of Adventism truly amazing."- Roger L. Dudley, Institute of Church Ministry, Andrews University Show Less