History 'source book' tells story of Brethren during the world wars.

Brethren Press has published another in its series of Brethren history "source books," titled "The Brethren During the Age of World War: The Church of the Brethren Encounter with Modernization, 1914-1950 " by Stephen L. Longenecker. The hard-bound book may be ordered for $25.95 plus shipping and handling.

Longenecker, who is professor of history and chair of the Department of History and Political Science at Bridgewater (Va.) College, addresses how the plain, rural, sectarian Brethren handled the challenges of the first half of the 20th century--including two world wars, the modern industrial economy, the Great Depression, the rise of popular culture, the changing role of women, increasing secularization, and growing individualism. "The Brethren During the Age of World War" uses documents, books from the period, articles, Annual Conference deliberations and decisions, interviews, letters, diaries, and the writer's own observations to show how Brethren rose to these challenges, absorbed them, or fought them.

Among the many people Longenecker credits with helping and influencing him is Durnbaugh, who wrote the first two source books, "European Origins of the Brethren" and "The Brethren in Colonial America." Roger Sappington wrote the other two books in the series, "The Brethren in the New Nation" and "The Brethren in Industrial America."

To place an order call 800-441-3712 or go to www.brethrenpress.com (for "The Brethren During the Age of World War" go to www.brethrenpress.com/store/bpress/8755.html).

Source: 12/13/2006 Newsline