Author: David Rose- David was born in San Antonio Texas, a fifth generation Texan. David is married to Sue since 1971 and together they have two daughter and five grandchildren. David has served in pastoral ministry both in Texas and Wisconsin. Though retired from full time pulpit minister, David teaches weekly Bible studies and ministers in hospices, senior living facilities and hospitals.
The reviewer of this book was in the pew in the church David was pastor for little over 10 years.
The Book: God and Texas- How the early pioneers of Texas were influenced by God- By David Rose
Synopses: In this book the author's mean focus is to create awareness to this readers the many ways God impacted the settlers/founders of the Lone Star State- Texas. He provides accurate stories from early Texas history to illustrates the many ways God was present in pioneers of Texas.
Whereas we might assume that the early Church in Texas had not issues in her formative stages, the author points out that she (the church) had "a rather rocky time." He points out the "most famous priest were know for not spreading the word of God but for "fomenting armed rebellion."
The author tries to make his readers understand that way before the settlers occupy Texas, there were native Texans thousands of years before Spanish explorers, THE NATIVE AMERICANS- see pg 5. The author asserts that most native tribes had "their own unique religious structure." The author however observes that Spanish missionaries came to Texas with a mandate to lead the native to Christ. The author observes that the natives Texans rejected Spanish Christianity "preferring their lifelong customs and culture."
It is clear from the first pages of this book, the author has dedicated this small book to recounting stories about early Texas history and how God was involved. To drive this point home, the author has dedicated an entire chapter, " The impact of pioneer preacher," pages 62-65. In this chapter the author points out that "following the Civil War, Pentecostal preachers began to filter into Texas with preaching where over 25,000 people embraced the Pentecostal faith teaching, which gave Texas her name "The Brass Buckle of the Bible Belt." pg 65
The author observes that during her formative stages, Texas church had unusual traditions. He observes that "people from all over the area came together to worship, pray and to circulate social and political chatter." pg 71. This was the beginning of the move of God in Texas culminating to the command of Jesus Christ as found in Mark 7:3-9. Emphasis mine.
To illustrate how God influenced the pioneers, the author dedicates a whole chapter on "The Songs of the Pioneers Texas." pgs 142-147. These songs were of course in praise of God and an expression of what they are thinking as well as how "they survived the tough times." The author emphases that songs of praise to God had powerful influence in the lives of Texans. The author asserts that, "their music reflected their love, trust and total dependence upon God for their survival" which strengthens the title of this book.
The Book: This book is an eye opener to those with interest in studying Texas State and Church history of formation. The book has rich historical facts about pioneers experience as they battle the enemies of mother nature and the indigenous tribes.