By Glenn Dromgoole

Former Abilenian Dr. Leonard Allen, dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb University, is co-author with John Mark Hicks of A Wild Democracy, the first  in a planned three-volume history of the Churches of Christ in the 20th Century.

The book, published by Abilene Christian University Press (192 pages, $19.99 paperback), covers the period 1889-1939. 

It begins with the separation from the Disciples of Christ/Christian Church, leading to several decades of intense controversy, which the authors describe as a “theological free-for-all” or “a wild democracy.” Nine church historians contributed chapters for Volume 1, including former ACU professor Dr. Edward J. Robinson.

The second volume, Truth and Consequences, will cover 1939-1989, and the third, Divided We Stand, will focus on post-1989 and into the 21st Century. Volumes two and three are scheduled for publication next year.

Dr. Allen is the former director of ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers. His memoir, The Book Room: Remembrance and Forgiveness, was published by ACU Press in 2024 (224  pages, $17.99 paperback). 

Dr. Leonard Allen

Glenn Dromgoole is the author of 35 books. He and his wife, Carol, own Texas Star Trading Company.