Christian History

As a work giving an introductory overview of historical theology and lived Christianity in a wider social and intellectual context, the work is excellent useful for introductory orientation to specific topics (with a meticulously subdivided table of contents and subheads throughout) and helpful for seeing longer through-lines and deeper continuities than one would see in more narrowly focused works. (Journal of Religious History, 6 December 2015) This book, ideal for seminarians but also for the non-professional Christian, is an incredible resource for helping Christians understand where our faith comes from, how it has developed and spread and survived as long as it has. Ultimately, this book is a great picture of the story of God working to advance his kingdom in the midst of broken humanity. (Tom-farr.blogspot.com, 1 August 2013) ?In this volume McGrath communicates the story of Christianity with energy and assurance. Students and teachers alike will appreciate McGrath?s balanced organization and clear writing style. He gives extended attention to theological issues, particularly in the Patristic and Reformation eras. This excellent volume will be welcomed by readers who seek a reliable and accessible guide to understanding major landmarks in the development of the Christian tradition.? ?Bill Pitts, Baylor University This is a wonderful introduction to the history of Christianity. It pays the most attention to the rise and spread of the Christian faith in the ancient near east and the medieval and modern west. But it also tells the story of this faith's rapid shift to the global south and far east during the past 100 years--and does so with the kind of clear and compelling English prose that will be recognized as vintage McGrath by experts in the field. I strongly recommend it, and look forward to using it frequently with students and other readers. ?Douglas A. Sweeney, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School As Christianity expands around the globe, this intelligent introduction introduces key figures, ideas and developments in Christian history, balancing illuminating generalizations with engaging detailed examples. The mutual interactions of churches and cultures are highlighted, and theological developments are clearly articulated. McGrath succeeds in whetting the reader?s appetite for further study. ?Anne T. Thayer, Lancaster Theological Seminary It is difficult to write a comprehensive text on Christian history in this day and age. There are deeply rutted roads in scholarship that lead the conventional historian to focus on the twilight of Christianity in the West and the inevitability of secularization. These developments, while all too true, distort both the present vitality of Christian faith and its future. McGrath avoids these pitfalls. While firmly rooted in the essentials of the Christian story, he also has a clear sense of the new paths Christian faith is taking in global evangelical outreach. ?Walter Sundberg, Luther Seminary This is a wonderful introduction to the history of Christianity. It pays the most attention to the rise and spread of the Christian faith in the ancient near east and the medieval and modern west. But it also tells the story of this faith's rapid shift to the global south and far east during the past 100 years--and does so with the kind of clear and compelling English prose that will be recognized as vintage McGrath by experts in the field. I strongly recommend it, and look forward to using it frequently with students and other readers. ?Douglas A. Sweeney, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School