Description: The roots of the evangelical tradition lie in the old-fashioned tent revivals that signified American fundamentalism in the early 20th century. Richard Mouw attended these meetings as a child and distinctly remembers the "sawdust trail" that separated the expansive columns of people seated on wooden folding chairs. This was the trail down which repentant sinners would pilgrimage as they responded to the preacher's call to come forward and be "born again" in the name of Jesus.

Today many evangelicals shun their fundamentalist heritage as a "simple-minded" and rigid relic of the past. But Mouw says we have much to gain from an open-minded look at our revivalist history, and he draws from his memories to illuminate for thoughtful readers a neglected yet important piece of our history.

The Smell of Sawdust stimulates reflection about the strengths and weaknesses of the evangelical movement's fundamentalist heritage, and how these factors still influence us today. At once a stirring popular history and a sharp assessment of fundamentalism, this book will appeal to Mouw's broad cross-section of readers and reflective thinkers both in and out of the evangelical tradition.

Mouw sets readers on a path of discovery as they tour the long and winding sawdust trail. As they read the vivid chronicle of fundamentalism, evangelicals will feel a sense of ownership of their own heritage. They will gain a new perspective on the past and the present, and acknowledge the value of the movement. Most important, readers will be enriched as they are reminded of the non-negotiable basics of the gospel and the beautiful, stunning simplicity of our faith.

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