Anatomy of a Schism

Anatomy of a Schism, Volume 1, provides a groundbreaking examination of the internal conflicts that reshaped the Southern Baptist Convention between 1979 and 2000. While historical accounts of this denominational split often overlook the role of female leadership, Eileen Campbell-Reed centers the narratives of ordained women to reframe the struggle between biblicist and autonomist factions. This scholarly work utilizes qualitative interviews to explore how these clergywomen navigated the psychological and theological tensions that led to the fracturing of the largest Protestant group in the United States.

This interdisciplinary study of Christian sociology and history integrates gendered, psychological, and theological perspectives to offer a new understanding of Baptist life. By analyzing the lived experiences of women in ministry, Anatomy of a Schism moves beyond traditional church controversies to reveal the profound impact of the schism on individual communities. It serves as a vital resource for researchers in theology, women's studies, and American religious history.