The Church Can Save The World by Samuel M. Shoemaker
The Church Can Save the World by Samuel M. Shoemaker (First Edition, 1938)
Publisher: Harper & Brothers | New York and London, 1938
Hardcover with Original Dust Jacket | First Edition
This is the First Edition (1938) of The Church Can Save the World by Samuel M. Shoemaker, one of the most influential voices in 20th-century Christian renewal and a key spiritual influence on the early development of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.).
About the Book
In The Church Can Save the World, Dr. Shoemaker issues a bold and urgent call for a spiritual revolution—a renewal of faith powerful enough to meet the deep moral and social crises of the modern world. Writing in the years leading up to World War II, Shoemaker argues that the Church must reclaim its central role as a spiritual front, mobilizing people of faith into active service for God and humanity.
From the Foreword:
“I believe that what we need more than anything else is a spiritual mass-movement: millions of men and women in personal touch with God, and united in a spiritual army which God can mobilize.”
Shoemaker’s call for personal spiritual awakening and corporate renewal echoes the Oxford Group principles that inspired the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous. His emphasis on honesty, surrender, and the power of personal testimony profoundly shaped A.A.’s spiritual foundations and continues to resonate in Twelve Step recovery movements today.
About the Author
Samuel M. Shoemaker (1893–1963) was a leading Episcopal priest, rector of Calvary Church in New York, and one of the foremost figures of the Oxford Group movement. His mentorship of A.A. cofounder Bill W. was instrumental in the Fellowship’s early spiritual formation. Bill W. later wrote:
“Dr. Sam Shoemaker was one of A.A.’s indispensables. Had it not been for his ministry to us in our early time, our Fellowship would not be in existence today.
Shoemaker authored numerous influential works on Christian life and renewal, including Realizing Religion, Children of the Second Birth, and Revive Thy Church Beginning with Me.
Condition: This copy is in very good condition. The original dust jacket is present, showing edge wear and small tears consistent with age but remains intact and legible. The book itself is clean, tight, and well-preserved, with mild toning to the pages. No markings or writing observed.
Please review all provided photos for full details of condition.
