C.H. Yadon and the Vanishing Theological Past in Oneness Pentecostalism

Abstract

From the purple sage ranges of the American west to the pulpits of Oneness Pentecostal churches, the cowboy-turned preacher C. Haskell Yadon represents an important vestige of a vanishing past. This is the third part of a trilogy intentionally undertaken to preserve aspects of that disappearing past for posterity. This study reconstructs the life and career of C.H. Yadon and more importantly elaborates his theology and ideas about faith. Taciturn, reluctant to engender conflict and hobbled by his decided lack of formal education and theological training, Yadon nonetheless is a looming figure on the patchwork fabric in the largely unknown and ignored chapters of American religious history and thought. Drawing upon his numerous sermons, published work, unpublished papers, and the testimony of those who knew him best, Thomas A. Fudge has produced a major theological biography of an unusual man. Buttressed by 32 rich appendices mostly from the pen of Yadon and featuring 157 photographs illuminating aspects of his long life, this book challenges the revisionist history and sanitized theologizing which has characterized the religious movement Yadon devoted most of his life to. Those wishing to understand the development of both history and theology within Oneness Pentecostalism and who are interested in knowing about the vanishing past will want to become acquainted with the life and thought of C.H. Yadon.