20 Best Books On Church History (2023 Update)

The catholic church is the longest-enduring institution in the world. beginning with the first christians and continuing in our present day, the church has been planted in every nation on earth. – the catholic church claims jesus christ himself as her founder, and in spite of heresy from within and hostility from without, she remains in the twenty-first century the steadfast guardian of belief in his life, death, and resurrection. the teachings and redemptive works of jesus as told in the gospels are expressed by the church in a coherent and consistent body of doctrine, the likes of which cannot be found in any other christian body. – the history of the catholic church is long, complicated, and fascinating, and in this book it is expertly and ably told by historian james hitchcock. as in the parable of christ about the weeds that were sown in a field of wheat, evil and good have grown together in the church from the start, as hitchcock honestly records. he brings before us the many characters–some noble, some notorious–who have left an indelible mark on the church, while never losing sight of the saints, who have given living testimony to the salvific power of christ in every age. – this ambitious work is comprehensive in its scope and in incisive in its understanding, a valuable addition to any school or home library." the gap in knowledge of history and current events sadly extends to us catholics in our grasp of the faith and the rich history of the church. in his ambitious new work, history of the catholic church from the apostolic age to the third millennium, james hitchcock has given us an accessible tool to better our understanding…and love for the history of the church. as blessed pope john xxiii remarked, 'history is our best teacher.' hitchcock, for this timeless gift to the church for the year of faith."- cardinal timothy dolan, archbishop of new york "james hitchcock is one of the few historians alive today with the background and ability to present the two-millenium history of the catholic church. in this remarkable volume hitchcock brings a lifetime of insights and research to this important subject. it is a work of erudition in which the reader will discover not only the importance of the catholic church in past centuries, but in our own time."- thomas f. madden, ph. – d. director of the center for medieval and renaissance studies, saint louis university"this book, by one of the premier american catholic historians, is clearly addressed to a broad audience. it is apologetic in the best sense, written from the point of view of a practicing catholic, and addresses the various questions that would occur to a lay reader inevitably influenced by views found in the larger culture. the book is well written. it is not burdened down with details or many footnotes, but is attached to a strong narrative line centering on meaning. it would therefore be appropriate to study groups."- glenn w. olsen, emeritus professor of history, university of utah

A two-volume introductory survey of church history from its origins to the present day designed for an educated lay audience and students in introductory college and seminary church history courses, these visually stunning textbooks are carefully written for first-time learners in the subject areas. invitation to church history: world walks readers through the story of god's people from christ to the contemporary church around the world. invitation to church history: american chronicles american church history from the pilgrims to contemporary denominations in the united states. in these full-color textbooks, many features facilitate learning: photos make the material come alive for the reader; diagrams clarify and distill complex concepts and sets of information; and review materials aid the student in processing and retaining the concepts in each chapter. readers will gain a clear understanding of the meaning of the gospel, the wonder of divine redemption, and the majesty of god. the story of the church is presented as part of the redemptive history of god and his people. with a conservative, christ-centered perspective, hannah writes with fairness and generosity toward diverse views.

Easily see over 250 events from christian church history at a glance, starting at the birth of jesus and the early church to present day! the basic church history time line pamphlet provides an easy-to-follow overview of key dates, events, and leaders throughout church history. filled with full-color illustrations and photographs, a map of christian expansion, and more, this time line follows martyrs, monks, and missionaries across seas and centuries as christianity spread all over the world.perfect for individual use, bible studies, new believer's classes, church giveaways, or to keep in your bible to reference when someone has a question. fits inside most bibles covers, 8.5 x 5.5 inches, full color, glossy coating. folds out to 38 inches. rose publishing product code: 4085x

First published in 1976, paul johnson’s exceptional study of christianity has been loved and widely hailed for its intensive research, writing, and magnitude—“a tour de force, one of the most ambitious surveys of the history of christianity ever attempted and perhaps the most radical” (new york review of books). in a highly readable companion to books on faith and history, the scholar and author johnson has illuminated the christian world and its fascinating history in a way that no other has. johnson takes off in the year ad 49 with his namesake the apostle paul. thus beginning an ambitious quest to paint the centuries since the founding of a little-known ‘jesus sect’, a history of christianity explores to a great degree the evolution of the western world. with an unbiased and overall optimistic tone, johnson traces the fantastic scope of the consequent sects of christianity and the people who followed them. information drawn from extensive and varied sources from around the world makes this history as credible as it is reliable. invaluable understanding of the framework of modern christianity—and its trials and tribulations throughout history—has never before been contained in such a captivating work.

The national book critics circle award-winning author of the reformation returns with the definitive history of christianity for our time once in a generation a historian will redefine his field, producing a book that demands to be read-a product of electrifying scholarship conveyed with commanding skill. diarmaid macculloch's christianity is such a book. breathtaking in ambition, it ranges back to the origins of the hebrew bible and covers the world, following the three main strands of the christian faith. christianity will teach modern readers things that have been lost in time about how jesus' message spread and how the new testament was formed. the son of an anglican clergyman, macculloch writes with deep feeling about faith. his last book, the reformation, was chosen by dozens of publications as best book of the year and won the national book critics circle award. this awe-inspiring follow-up is a landmark new history of the faith that continues to shape the world.

The third edition of christianity through the centuries brings the reader up-to-date by discussing events and developments in the church into the 1990s. this edition has been redesigned with new typography and greatly improved graphics to increase clarity, accessibility, and usefulness. – new chapters examine recent trends and developments (expanding the last section from 2 chapters to 5) – new photos. over 100 photos in all — more than twice the number in the previous edition – single-column format for greater readability and a contemporary look – improved maps (21) and charts (39) building on the features that have made christianity through the centuries an indispensable text, the author not only explains the development of doctrines, movements, and institutions, but also gives attention to "the impact of christianity on its times and to the mark of the times on christianity."

Christian history made easy summarizes the most important events in the history of the church, from the time of jesus to modern day. christian history made easy explains early church history, the church councils, the great schism, the crusades, francis of assisi, john wycliffe, martin luther, the protestant reformation, and more. christian history made easy presents key church history events and great christian leaders everyone should know, along with full-color church history timelines, photos, pictures, and maps. the study guide and worksheets in the back makes this book an excellent bible study, adults sunday school topics, or homeschool curriculum. author timothy paul jones makes christian history refreshingly fun while at the same time informing christians about the history of the christian faith.full-color, 224 pages, paperback, 6 x 9 inches. theologian j. i. packer says christian history made easy is, …a beautifully simple, beginner-friendly telling of christian history, a precious heritage. christian history made easy covers major events in church history early church history the early church–peter and paul, the age of the apostles, the destruction of the temple and jerusalem scatters christians early church fathers persecution of christians–emperor nero and domitian, martyrdom of peter, paul, ignaitius, polycarp, justin martyr christianity legalized in the roman empire, emperor constantine, christianity the official religion in the roman empire the byzantine era the council of nicaea, the nicene creed augustine, jerome translates the bible into latin, st. patrick fall of the roman empire, rise of the eastern orthodox church gregory the great, rise of monasticism rise of islam and the islamic conquest in europe, charles martel, charlemagne east/west church schism (photian schism), leif ericson converts to christianity great schism, hildebrand reforms the church, the crusades, lateran councils, richard the lionheart pre-reformation church history middle ages, bubonic plague, john wycliffe, the wycliffe bible the renaissance, jan hus, joan of arc, ottomans capture the christian city of constantinople, johann gutenberg's printing press the protestant reformation erasmus, martin luther, 95 theses, ulrich zwingli, william tyndale, king henry viii, the geneva bible, the matthew's bible, church of england history, john knox, queen mary tudor, queen elizabeth i, king james version bible galileo, pilgrim's progress, quaker founded, first protestant missionary societies the great awakening and church history in america and europe john and charles wesley, george whitefield, handel writes the messiah, sunday school is developed, john newton writes amazing grace. divisions over slavery in baptist history abolition, william wilberforce, charles finney leads revivals, george muller's faith orphanage, ymca an ywca founded, charles spurgeon, salvation army founded church history in the 20th and 21st century amy carmichael, irish missionary to india, azusa street, scofield bible, dietrich bonhoeffer, billy graham, discovery of the dead sea scrolls, modern political state of israel c.s. lewis, major evangelistic crusades in latin america and korea, roman catholic church apologizes for lack of leadership during the holocaust each chapter of christian history made easy includes key events key concepts names you should know terms you should know bible maps and time-lines things to think about clarification of words at the end of each chapter is a student guide, student worksheet, learning activity and quiz endorsement for christian history made easy rose's product line includes a wonderful collection of high quality, visually attractive materials that lend themselves to learning the basics of the christian faith. in most areas where alternative views exist, they are faithfully presented leaving the reader to decide which best fits their understanding of scripture…. i have used christian history made easy for my sunday school class and found it to be very well done. this book has a great collection of auxiliary study guide questions. the author, timothy paul jones is obviously a practiced teacher. i used an early edition. the recent upgrade of this package looks even better… –dr. gene a. stringer, elder, christian church of ashland, oregon endorsements and biography for author timothy paul jones dr. timothy paul jones is a brilliant young biblical scholar who helps simplify the complex. his [resources] are great and sorely needed during our time when many are biblically illiterate and know even less about church history.–dr. jerry newcombe, author, tv host, and spokesperson for truth that transforms with dr. d. james kennedy (formerly the coral ridge hour) about the author: dr. timothy paul jones timothy paul jones serves as a professor of christian ministry and as associate vice president at the southern baptist theological seminary, where he teaches courses in applied apologetics and family ministry. before teaching at southern baptist theological seminary, he led churches in missouri and oklahoma as pastor and associate pastor. jones has authored or contributed to more than a dozen books, including proof; conspiracies and the cross; and, christian history made easy. in 2007, charles colson listed him as one of "four names you need to know" when responding to the new atheists and in 2010, christian retailing magazine selecte

When it comes to the history of christianity, the catholic church makes a pretty bold claim: that the earliest christians were catholics-and that their beliefs and practices have continued unbroken all the way to the present-day church. but the last supper was a long time ago, and for hundreds of years protestants have been attacking catholic claims about christianity's historic origins, traditions, and practices. they prefer to believe that the earliest, "purest" church had much more in common with their own congregations and doctrines. so, how can you be sure the catholic church has it right? you'll get your answer from joe heschmeyer (pope peter, a man called joseph), who deftly joins the catholic past and present in the early church was the catholic church. focusing on the first two centuries (before any roman "apostasy" is said to have taken place) and on bedrock principles of christian belief, authority, and worship, heschmeyer digs deep into the words and actions of those who lived right after the apostles to refute anti-catholic claims of how the faith was practiced "back then." early christianity is not some mist-enshrouded island of the distant past that was waiting for the protestant reformers to rediscover it. no, it's recognizable and familiar: the beginning of a spirit-guided line of faith leading directly to today's catholic church. if you want to learn to defend that church at its roots-or if you're just curious about what our eldest christian brothers and sisters believed-you can expect in these pages to be richly rewarded. book jacket.

Every generation has an uncanny tendency to view themselves as more enlightened than those that have gone before. the first volume of 2,000 years of christ's power covers the period from the 1st century ad to the start of the middle ages.

Church history is the story of the greatest community the world has known and the greatest movement in world history. yet, just as the biblical record of the people of god is the story of a mixed people with great acts of faith and great failures in sin and unfaithfulness, so is the history of the people who have made up the church down through the ages. â church history, volume two is an account of the ups and downs, the triumphs and struggles, of the christian movement. it offers a unique contextual view of how the christian church spread and developed from the just prior to the reformation and through the next five-hundred-plus years into the present-day. this book looks closely at the integral link between the history of the world and that of the church, detailing the times, cultures, and events that both influenced and were influenced by the church. â filled with maps, charts, and illustrations, gives primary attention to the history of christianity in the west (western europe and north america), but given the global and ecumenical environment of the twenty-first century, it also covers africa, eastern europe, asia, and latin america.

A standard survey of the history of the christian church from a.d. 33 to modern times, the church in history by b. kuiper has long been the textbook of choice for many secondary schools and bible institutes, having sold well over 150,000 copies since first published more than a half century ago. detailed and fact-filled yet balanced and readable, this volume offers a panoramic view of the church's growth worldwide throughout the past 2,000 years, including a comprehensive section on the church in the united states and canada. with close to 300 photographs, maps, and timelines throughout and thought-provoking study questions at the end of each chapter, the church in history is an excellent introductory resource for students or for anyone wanting to better understand the history of the church.

The catholic church: a brief popular history is an engaging and informative survey of the major people, periods and events in church history. designed with the introductory student in mind, the text is both accessible and thorough. an engaging vignette opens each chapter, drawing the reader in by encouraging a personal connection to the people of the time. a chapter overview then signals the material to follow. throughout the text, sidebars highlight key persons and events, excerpts from primary sources enrich the reading, connections with the church today add relevance, and end-of-chapter questions prompt reflection and review. altogether, the catholic church: a brief popular history provides a solid foundation in major theological themes and prepares students for further study.

If you want to discover the captivating history of christianity, then keep reading… who would have thought that from its humble beginnings as a small group of followers of a jewish man called jesus that christianity would become, less than two thousand years later, the most widespread religion on earth? christianity's birth and development is a vast, complex story filled with setbacks and contradictions but also with triumphs. it is intricately entwined with the world's development over the last two thousand years, encompassing entire societies, helping to build and destroy empires, and molding the spiritual lives of people of all races and cultures. this book will reveal the main aspects surrounding this fascinating saga. so if you want to learn more about the history of christianity, scroll up and click the "add to cart" button!

In this fully revised and updated edition, the lauded church historian justo gonzalez tells the story of christianity from its fragile infancy to its pervasive dominance at the dawn of the protestant reformation. "the story of christianity," volume 1, relates the dramatic events, the colorful characters, and the revolutionary ideas that shaped the first fifteen centuries of the church's life and thought. from jesus's faithful apostles to the early reformist john wycliffe, gonzalez skillfully weaves details from the lives of prominent figures tracing core theological issues and developments within the various traditions of the church. "the story of christianity" demonstrates at each point what new challenges and opportunities faced the church and how christians struggled with the various options open to them, thereby shaping the future direction of the church. this new edition of "the story of christianity "incorporates recent archaeological discoveries to give us a better view of the early christian communities. among these are advances in the recovery of gnostic texts that have revealed a richer diversity of "christianities" in the first century. gonzalez also includes important research done in the past twenty-five years revealing the significant role of women throughout the history of the church. with lively storytelling incorporating the latest research, t"he story of christianity" provides a fascinating introduction to the panoramic history of christianity.

"religious historian and sociologist rodney stark has spent his career engaging with that very question. indeed, after thirty highly regarded books on the matter, he has created a true master course in christian history. now, for the first time, he distills his research to just the most important and interesting episodes–the seminal moments in the story that, he now believes, demand new perspectives. stark gets right to the events of greatest interest, often turning them on their heads: he argues that constantine's conversion did the church a great deal of harm, for example, and that the majority of converts to early christianity were women. and he asks the questions at the heart of the human story: what role did jesus's family play in the early church? how was christianity's rise influenced by the misery of daily life in greco-roman cities? what role did vigorous competition play in the success, and failure, of churches in colonial america? finally, having brought readers to the present day, stark makes a compelling case that the popular notion that religion must disappear to make room for modernity is amply disproved by the sociological evidence. no one is better equipped than rodney stark to get to the heart of the story that has shaped two millennia's worth of history.

With more than 275,000 copies sold, this is the story of the church for today's readers. the fourth edition of shelley's classic one-volume history of the church brings the story of christianity into the twenty-first century. this latest edition of the book takes a close look at the rapid growth of evangelical and pentecostal christianity in the southern hemisphere, addresses the decline in traditional mainline denominations, examines the influence of technology on the spread of the gospel, and discusses how christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world. the concise book provides an easy-to-read guide to church history with intellectual substance. the new edition of church history in plain language promises to be the new standard for readable church history.features include: includes contemporary developments related to the spread of the gospeldiscusses how technology has an impact on how the church worships and growscovers the explosion of christianity in the southern hemisphere

With more than 275,000 copies sold, this is the story of the church for today's readers. the fourth edition of shelley's classic one-volume history of the church brings the story of christianity into the twenty-first century. this latest edition of the book takes a close look at the rapid growth of evangelical and pentecostal christianity in the southern hemisphere, addresses the decline in traditional mainline denominations, examines the influence of technology on the spread of the gospel, and discusses how christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world. the concise book provides an easy-to-read guide to church history with intellectual substance. the new edition of church history in plain language promises to be the new standard for readable church history.features include: includes contemporary developments related to the spread of the gospeldiscusses how technology has an impact on how the church worships and growscovers the explosion of christianity in the southern hemisphere

No nation, institution, empire, or dynasty has helped shape the world more than the catholic church. armies have marched upon one another. kings have risen and fallen. ideological and political movements have taken hold of entire continents. diseases and plagues have ravished millions. – and through it all, holy mother church has endured, standing as the one source of light in a world so often covered by shadows. – in this thrilling narrative, phillip campbell, author of the best-selling the story of civilization series, takes children on a journey through church history, beginning at pentecost when peter and the other apostles were filled with the holy spirit and preached in the streets of jerusalem, all the way through the pontificate of john paul ii and into modern times. campbell’s storybook style brings the narrative to life for young listeners, taking them back in time and awakening a love and appreciation for history. – children will discover:the triumphs and struggles of the early church – the heroic stories of the martyrs – popes who helped shape church teaching through encyclicals and councils, including leo xiii, pius ix, and john paul iicrusaders who fought for christendom – marian apparitions like guadalupe, lourdes, and fatima – how events like the protestant reformation, the avignon papacy, and the second vatican council affected the church and the world. – an army of saints who witnessed to christ, including benedict, augustine, francis, dominic, elizabeth of hungary, catherine of siena, thomas more, the little flower, maximilian kolbe, and more. through it all, young listeners will see how the church remained in the world but not of it, surviving wars, heresies, and the rule of tyrants, and keeping her arms spread ever open to welcome wounded souls into the body of christ.

Teh blockbuster bestselling author and trailblazing tv journalist recounts one of the most influential moments in world history: the crucifixion of jesus christ.nearly two thousand years after this beloved and controversial young revolutionary wasbrutally killed by roman soldiers, more than 2.2 billion human beings not only attempt to follow jesus of nazareth’s teachings but believe he is god. in this riveting account of jesus’s life and times, julius caesar, cleopatra, caesar augustus, herod the great, pontius pilate, and john the baptist are among the legendary figures who play a part in jesus’s story. killing jesus takes readersinside this most volatile epoch and the seismic political and historical eventsthat made jesus’s death inevitable—and changed the world forever.praise for bill o’reilly’s killing series:“powerful…immersivelywritten.” —janet maslin, the newyork times“all the suspense and drama of a popular thriller.” —the christian sciencemonitor“vivid and emotionally engaging.”—nelsondemille

Teh blockbuster bestselling author and trailblazing tv journalist recounts one of the most influential moments in world history: the crucifixion of jesus christ.nearly two thousand years after this beloved and controversial young revolutionary wasbrutally killed by roman soldiers, more than 2.2 billion human beings not only attempt to follow jesus of nazareth’s teachings but believe he is god. in this riveting account of jesus’s life and times, julius caesar, cleopatra, caesar augustus, herod the great, pontius pilate, and john the baptist are among the legendary figures who play a part in jesus’s story. killing jesus takes readersinside this most volatile epoch and the seismic political and historical eventsthat made jesus’s death inevitable—and changed the world forever.praise for bill o’reilly’s killing series:“powerful…immersivelywritten.” —janet maslin, the newyork times“all the suspense and drama of a popular thriller.” —the christian sciencemonitor“vivid and emotionally engaging.”—nelsondemille