Peace to War:

Shifting Allegiances in the Assemblies of God; The C. Henry Smith Series Volume 9

Once the Pentecostal peace witness extended throughout the movement and around the world—but was eventually muted and almost completely lost in the American Assemblies of God. This book tells the story of that shift. As Alexander documents, "The war church is a harlot church!" said an early twentieth-century fiery Pentecostal preacher—reflecting the conscientious objection and nonviolence that was the official position of the Assemblies of God, 1917-1967. But by the end of the twentieth century, the majority of AOG pastors in America believed that Jesus himself would support war and that they should kill for their country if necessary.

"Alexander tells a story of the loss of a corporate crucifist vision, but more than that, he reveals how communities of faith can barter away important elements of Christian identity for acceptance and influence. The implications of this study are worth examining by all traditions asking the question, 'Will our children have faith?'" —Cheryl Bridges Johns, Professor of Christian Formation and Discipleship, Church of God Theological Seminary