Book SynopsisThe Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History gives you what it promises: the essentials.Following a brief introduction that outlines the key events of the New Testament era, there is a chapter devoted to each century of Christian history beginning with the year 100 and ending roughly at the year 2000. Each chapter flows chronologically featuring:
A brief overview, highlighting the main threads and issues running through the relevant century
Key historical developments explained
Thematic connections between centuries
Color-coded sidebars on Persons, Ideas, or Events
Persons: key figures either within or without the Church who have impacted Christian history significantly or who otherwise deserve special mention
Ideas: important Christian books, as well as heresies, doctrines, or political movements
Events: world-historical occurrences such as battles, natural disasters, invTrade ReviewBackhouse describes the history of official Christendom “from above,” but crucially, he also tells the story of the numerous movements renewing Christianity “from below.” No history of the church is complete that does not give time to these radical reforming men and women. A brilliant and beautiful book! * Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer International; senior pastor at Emmaus Rd, Guildford; author of Dirty Glory *Rich, concise, and built for our most dynamic leaders (who will never darken the door of a seminary), this short volume is Backhouse’s latest masterpiece tool for the local church. If locally-deployed church planters knew their history, they would be far less likely to repeat its mistakes. * Graham Singh, executive director of Church Planting Canada, rector of St. Jax Montreal *The Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History is visually captivating---every page a joy to behold. But what makes this book so special is how Stephen Backhouse tells the Christian story. Facts and stories about saints, martyrs, heretics, monks, and missionaries fill the pages. This is a history book that reads like an adventure novel. * Richard Beck, professor at Abilene Christian University, author of Unclean and Stranger God *This book is well-named. It is indeed an essential companion to those entering into the study of church history. It gives students an outstanding way of orienting themselves, putting the towering figures of history into their social and theological contexts. It is full of helpful detail without being overwhelming, and it is written in a clear and engaging style, which draws the student in, teaching without daunting them. * Jane Williams, assistant dean and tutor in theology, St. Mellitus College *This gathering together of snapshots from two thousand years of church history refreshingly lets each century tell its own part of the tale; and Stephan Backhouse is a brilliant guide through the bewildering twists and turns. * David Benjamin Blower, Nomad Podcast, writer and musician *This volume is an invaluable resource for anyone looking for a compact yet remarkably comprehensive summary of Christian history. It includes a welcome emphasis on a global perspective, as well as highlighting the role of women in relation to many of the key developments in the church. It comes highly recommended. * Lucy Peppiatt, principal of Westminster Theological Centre *Table of Contents1. Introduction: Servants and Leaders: 0-100 AD 2. Love and Courage: 100-200 AD 3. Martyrs and Heretics: 200-300 AD 4. Establishment and Resistance: 300-400 AD 5. East and West: 400-500 AD 6. Centres and Margins: 500-600 AD 7. Soldiers and Missionaries: 600-700 AD 8. Monks and Emperors: 700-800 AD 9. Conversion and Culture: 800-900 AD 10. Green Shoots, Dead Branches: 900-1000 AD 11. Popes, Kings, and Peasants: 1000-1100 AD 12. War and Peace: 1100-1200 AD 13. Empire and Wilderness: 1200-1300 AD 14. Humility and Power: 1300-1400 AD 15. Church and State: 1400-1500 AD 16. Expansion and Consolidation: 1500 -1600 AD 17. Reform and Revival: 1600-1700 AD 18. Reason and Revolution: 1700-1800 AD 19. Progress and Preservation: 1800-1900 AD 20. Sacrifice and Invention: 1900-2000 AD
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