Kingdom to Commune

“This groundbreaking study makes a timely and important addition to our understanding of mid-twentieth-century pacifism at a moment when questions of war and peace stand again at the forefront of the nation’s agenda.” — Stephen A. Marini, Wellesley College

“A valuable resource for students and researchers in both religious studies and peace studies in the U.S. Highly recommended.” — CHOICE

“A detailed discussion of pacifist culture. . . . Provides wonderful descriptions of cultural artifacts such as hymns . . . plays . . . and peace liturgies.” — Christian Century

“[A] richly textured sociocultural exploration. . . . May prove to be a foundational edifice on which many future studies on the topic must build.” — Journal of American History

“[Appelbaum’s] focus on pacifist worship services, plays, pageantry, iconography, and heroic biographies uncovers a rich folk history. . . [Goes] a long way toward claiming a more central role for Christian nonviolence in American democratic history.” — American Historical Review

“A significant contribution to communitarian studies as well as to the history of pacifism.” — The Annals of Iowa

“A rich account of . . . 'Protestant pacifist culture' during the middle of the twentieth century. . . . An illuminating approach.” — Church History

“This well-researched and timely book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of twentieth-century pacifism. . . . Appelbaum illustrates the development of pacifist culture with a range of evidence, much of it heretofore unexplored by scholars.” — Journal of American Studies

“Should be regarded as indispensable reading for anyone who wants to understand what has happened to Protestant pacifists over the past century. . . . Yield[s] a fascinating set of material culture examples. . . . [An] important book.” — Journal for Peace and Justice Studies