In this book, William Kostelvy uncovers the forgotten roots of American Pentecostalism by telling the story of an important radical communal society, the Metropolitan Church Association. Known as "Burning Bushers," its members objected to capitalism, confronted "elite" denominations, and offered an alternative, radical vision of Christianity.

William Kostlevy is Associate Professor of History and Political Science, Tabor College

• Illustrations


• Introduction Variations of Holiness Radicalism in Progressive Era America


• 1.: Martin Wells Knapp and the Origins of the Radical Holiness Movement


• 2.: Marching the Pearly White City: The Birth of the Metropolitan Methodist Mission


• 3.: Pentecost Comes to the White City: The Chicago Revival and the General Holiness Assembly of 1901


• 4.: The Pentecostal Dancers Invade Boston


• 5.: "A Standard for the People": The Burning Bush Movement and the Organization of Mission in the MCA


• 6.: "Forsaking All for Jesus:" F. M. Messenger and Burning Bush Communalism


• 7.: The MCA and the Making of Modern American Religious Culture


• 8.: The Fire Wanes and Is Rekindled: The Burning Bush Movement, 1913-1931


• Afterword


• End Notes


• Works Cited