David F. Holland

David F. Holland teaches American religious history at Harvard Divinity School. His research focuses on the religious cultures of the antebellum United States. He is the author of Sacred Borders: Continuing Revelation and Canonical Restraint (Oxford University Press, 2011), Moroni: A Brief Theological Introduction (Maxwell Institute, 2021), and numerous scholarly articles. He is also an editor of The Oxford Handbook of Seventh-day Adventism. He currently serves as president of the Worcester Massachusetts Stake. He and his wife, Jeanne, are the parents of five children.

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Puritans, Pagans, and Imperfect Christmas Gifts

by David F. Holland | undefined 54 | 12-23-2022

Abstract: Early American campaigns against Christmas illustrate both the irrepressibility of the impulse to celebrate Christ and what is lost when we reject the good that comes from suspect sources. Both lessons point us toward the Savior’s gracious acceptance of our own imperfect offerings.

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All journal publications and video presentations are available for free by digital download and streaming. The price of hard copy versions of journal articles covers only the cost of printing; books are typically priced to help cover both upfront pre—publication expenses and royalties to authors when applicable. In some cases, the Foundation may subsidize publication costs to keep retail prices affordable.