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Church History in Plain Language: A Simple Guide to Understanding the Past
Introduction:
Ever felt lost in the dense narratives of church history? Confronted by unfamiliar names, complex theological debates, and seemingly endless power struggles? You're not alone. Church history, often presented as a dry recitation of dates and decrees, can feel inaccessible to the average person. This post aims to change that. We’ll explore key moments and movements in church history, explaining them in clear, straightforward language, making the past relevant and engaging for everyone, regardless of their religious background. We'll cut through the jargon and focus on the human stories and lasting impact of these pivotal events. Prepare for a journey through time that will illuminate the faith we know today.
H2: The Early Church: From Persecution to Power
The story begins with Jesus's crucifixion and the birth of the Christian movement, a small sect facing intense persecution within the Roman Empire. This early period (roughly 1st-4th centuries CE) was characterized by:
H3: The Spread of Christianity: Despite the dangers, Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman world, initially through word-of-mouth and the personal testimonies of believers. Apostles like Paul played crucial roles in establishing churches across diverse cultures.
H3: The Development of Doctrine: The early church grappled with defining its core beliefs, leading to councils and writings that shaped Christian theology. Key issues included the nature of Jesus (divine or human?), the role of the Holy Spirit, and the interpretation of scripture. The Nicene Creed, formulated in 325 CE, stands as a significant example of this process of doctrinal clarification.
H3: Persecution and Martyrdom: Early Christians faced brutal persecution, with many enduring imprisonment, torture, and martyrdom. These hardships, however, paradoxically strengthened the community’s resolve and fostered a powerful sense of shared identity. The transition from persecuted minority to favored religion under Constantine marks a turning point.
H2: The Rise of the Medieval Church: Power, Politics, and Piety
The conversion of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century dramatically altered the trajectory of Christianity. The church moved from a persecuted minority to a position of significant political influence. This period (roughly 5th-15th centuries CE) witnessed:
H3: The Development of Church Hierarchy: The church structured itself hierarchically, with bishops, archbishops, and eventually the Pope holding significant authority. This structure facilitated organization but also led to internal conflicts and power struggles.
H3: Monasticism and Asceticism: Monasteries became centers of learning and spirituality, playing an important role in preserving knowledge and promoting piety. Monastic orders emphasized disciplined lives of prayer, study, and service.
H3: The Great Schism: In 1054, the Christian church formally split into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches. Differences in theology, practices, and authority contributed to this enduring division.
H3: The Crusades: These religiously motivated military campaigns, though intended to reclaim the Holy Land, also had significant political and economic consequences, influencing the relationship between the church and secular powers.
H2: The Reformation and Beyond: A Time of Change and Division
The 16th century witnessed the Protestant Reformation, a momentous upheaval that challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Led by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, the Reformation sparked a wave of religious and political change:
H3: Key Figures and Their Teachings: Luther's emphasis on salvation by faith alone, Calvin's doctrine of predestination, and Zwingli's focus on scripture fundamentally reshaped Christian theology and practice.
H3: The Counter-Reformation: The Catholic Church responded to the Reformation with its own internal reforms and renewed missionary efforts, seeking to address criticisms and regain lost ground.
H3: The Rise of Denominations: The Reformation led to a proliferation of new Christian denominations, each with its own distinctive beliefs and practices. This fragmentation continues to shape the religious landscape today.
H2: Modern Christianity and its Challenges:
The modern era has brought new challenges and opportunities for Christianity. Globalization, secularization, and technological advancements have all influenced religious belief and practice. Modern church history includes movements like:
H3: Missionary Expansion: The spread of Christianity to new continents and cultures.
H3: Social Justice Movements: The church's engagement with issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice.
H3: Ecumenical Efforts: Attempts to foster greater unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations.
Conclusion:
This overview provides a simplified but hopefully insightful look into church history. Understanding the past helps us understand the present. The complexities, conflicts, and triumphs of the church’s journey offer valuable lessons about faith, power, and the human condition. While this post only scratches the surface, it provides a framework for further exploration. Delving deeper into specific periods or figures will enrich your understanding of this multifaceted story.
FAQs:
1. What is the significance of the Council of Nicaea? The Council of Nicaea (325 CE) was a pivotal event in early church history, where key doctrinal issues, particularly the nature of Christ, were addressed and defined, solidifying core Christian beliefs.
2. How did the Reformation impact Europe? The Reformation fundamentally altered the political and religious landscape of Europe, resulting in religious wars, the rise of new denominations, and the decline of papal authority in many regions.
3. What are some of the major differences between Catholicism and Protestantism? Key differences include views on salvation (faith alone vs. faith and works), the role of scripture and tradition, and the authority of the Pope.
4. What are some contemporary challenges facing the church today? Modern challenges include secularization, declining church attendance in many parts of the world, and the need to address social and ethical issues relevant to the 21st century.
5. Where can I learn more about specific periods or figures in church history? Numerous books, scholarly articles, and online resources offer in-depth information on particular aspects of church history. Exploring these resources will provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of this complex and fascinating subject.
| church history in plain language: Church History in Plain Language Bruce Shelley, 2013-12-10 Church History in Plain Language makes church history clear, memorable, and accessible to every reader. Dr. Bruce Shelley makes church history come alive in this classic book that has become not only the first choice of many laypeople and church leaders but the standard text in many college classrooms. Church History in Plain Language treats history as the story of people—their motivations, the issues they grapple with, the decisions they make—and the result is that history reads like a story, almost as dramatic and moving as a novel. This fourth edition, revised by R.L. Hatchett, brings the story of Christianity into the twenty-first century, with detailed information on: Theology of the early church and Reformation Gnosticism and its ongoing relevance The rapid global extension and transformation of Christianity since 1900 The decline in traditional mainline denominations The influence of technology on the spread of the gospel How Christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world Church History in Plain Language makes history easy to follow and retain by dividing the Christian story into the great ages of the church. Its clarity, organization, and historical accuracy are part of what make this book a go-to resource for today's readers. |
| church history in plain language: Church History in Plain Language Bruce Shelley, 1996-04-19 It's about time that someone wrote church history that tells about people, not just about eras and ages. Church History in Plain Language taps the roots of our Christian family tree. It combines authoritative research with a captivating style to bring our heritage home to us. |
| church history in plain language: Church History in Plain Language, Fifth Edition Bruce Shelley, 2021-07-13 Over 330,000 copies sold. This is the story of the church for today's readers. Bruce Shelley's classic history of the church brings the story of global Christianity into the twenty-first century. Like a skilled screenwriter, Shelley begins each chapter with three elements: characters, setting, plot. Taking readers from the early centuries of the church up through the modern era he tells his readers a story of actual people, in a particular situation, taking action or being acted upon, provides a window into the circumstances and historical context, and from there develops the story of a major period or theme of Christian history. Covering recent events, this book also: Details 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 Discusses how Christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world For this fifth edition, Marshall Shelley brought together a team of historians, historical theologians, and editors to revise and update this father's classic text. The new edition adds important stories of the development of Christianity in Asia, India, and Africa, both in the early church as well as in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It also highlights the stories of women and non-Europeans who significantly influenced the development of Christianity but whose contributions are often overlooked in previous overviews of church history. This 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 set a new standard for readable church history. |
| church history in plain language: Church History in Plain Language Bruce Leon Shelley, 1995 Traces the history of the Church, focusing on the motivations of its founders, conflicts, key figures, and defining events over the centuries. |
| church history in plain language: Christianity Through the Centuries Earle E. Cairns, 2009-09-13 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. |
| church history in plain language: Backgrounds of Early Christianity Everett Ferguson, 2003 New to this expanded & updated edition are revisions of Ferguson's original material, updated bibliographies, & a fresh dicussion of first century social life, the Dead Sea Scrolls & much else. |
| church history in plain language: Christian Theology in Plain Language Bruce Leon Shelley, 1985 |
| church history in plain language: A Short History of Europe Simon Jenkins, 2019-03-05 A sweeping, illustrated history of Europe--a continent whose imperial ambitions, internal clashes, and existential threats are as vital today as they were during the conquests of Alexander the Great In just a few hundred years, a modest peninsula off the northwest corner of Asia has seen the rise and fall of several empires; served as the crucible for scientific dynamism, cultural innovation, and economic revolution; and witnessed cataclysms and bloodshed that have almost destroyed it several times over. This is Europe: a continent whose identity emerged not so much by virtue of geographic or ethnic continuity, but by a long and storied struggle for power. Studded with infamous figures--from Caesar to Charlemagne and Machiavelli to Marx--Simon Jenkins's history of Europe travels briskly from the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages, and the Reformation through the French Revolution, the World Wars, and the fall of the USSR. What emerges in this thrilling and expansive telling is a continent as defined by its continually clashing cultural identities and violent crises as it is by its tireless drive for a society based on the consent of the governed -- which holds true right up to the present day. |
| church history in plain language: Revelation , 1999-01-01 The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the Beast will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self. |
| church history in plain language: Church History for Young Readers Simonetta Carr, 2021-12-18 God always intended to have a people to love: a church Jesus said nothing could destroy (Matthew 16:18). Simonetta shows how God has kept this promise for two thousand years. |
| church history in plain language: Historical Theology Gregg Allison, 2011-04-19 Historical Theology presents the key pillars of the contemporary church and the development of those doctrines as they evolved from the history of Christian thought. Most historical theology texts follow Christian beliefs in a strict chronological manner with the classic theological loci scattered throughout various time periods, movements, and controversies—making for good history but confusing theology. This companion to the classic bestseller Systematic Theology is unique among historical theologies. Gregg Allison sets out the history of Christian doctrine according to a topical-chronological arrangement—one theological element at a time instead of committing to a discussion of theological thought according to its historical appearance alone. This method allows you to: Contemplate one tenet of Christianity at a time, along with its formulation in the early church—through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and post-Reformation era, and into the modern period. Become familiar with the primary source material of Christian history's most important contributors, such as Cyprian, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, and others. Understand the development of evangelical doctrine with a focus on the centrality of the gospel. Discern a sense of urgent need for greater doctrinal understanding in the whole church. Historical Theology is an easy-to-read textbook for any Christian who wants to know how the church has come to believe what it believes today. Gregg Allison's clear and concise structure make this resource an ideal introduction to Christian doctrine. |
| church history in plain language: Church History Dr. Justo L. Gonzalez, 2010-09-01 One of the chief difficulties in studying the history of Christianity is the lack of prior exposure to the subject that students often bring with them. Struggling to keep up with the large numbers of names, dates, and places presented to them, it is easy for students to lose sight of the big picture, the broad sweep of movement and change that instructors most wish to communicate. Justo Gonzalez has written this book to help students gain just such a quick and basic grasp of the main periods and issues in the history of Christianity. Drawing upon his own extensive experience and that of others, he contends that having been introduced to the essentials of church history in a brief and accessible form, students are far better able to understand and appreciate what they encounter in more detailed lectures and reading. Gonzalez provides a comprehensive opening chapter that summarizes major issues and concerns of each of the principal eras of church history. Subsequent chapters focus on the ancient church, the Christian empire, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries, and the twentieth century and the end of modernity. |
| church history in plain language: The Church in History B. K. Kuiper, 1988-06-01 A standard survey of the history of the Christian church from A.D. 33 to modern times, The Church in History by B. K. 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. |
| church history in plain language: The Next Christendom Philip Jenkins, 2011-09-13 In this new and substantially expanded Third Edition, Philip Jenkins continues to illuminate the remarkable expansion of Christianity in the global South--in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Drawing upon the extensive new scholarship that has appeared on this topic in recent years, he asks how the new Christianity is likely to affect the poor, among whom it finds its most devoted adherents. How should we interpret the enormous success of prosperity churches across the Global South? Politically, what will be the impact of new Christian movements? Will Christianity contribute to liberating the poor, to give voices to the previously silent, or does it threaten only to bring new kinds of division and conflict? Does Christianity liberate women, or introduce new scriptural bases for subjection? Acclaim for previous editions of The Next Christendom: Named one of the Top Religion Books of 2002 by USA Today Named One of the Top Ten Religion Books of the Year by Booklist (2002) Winner of the Christianity Today Book Award in the category of Christianity and Culture (2002) Jenkins is to be commended for reminding us, throughout the often gripping pages of this lively work...that the history of Christianity is the history of innovative--and unpredictable--adaptations. --The New York Times Book Review This is a landmark book. Jenkin's thesis is comprehensively researched; his analysis is full of insight; and his projection of the future may indeed prove to be prophetic. --Baptist Times A valuable and provocative look at the phenomenon widely ignored in the affluent North but likely to be of enormous importance in the century ahead.... The Next Christendom is chillingly realistic about the relationship between Christianity and Islam. --Russell Shaw, Crisis If the times demand nothing less than a major rethinking of contemporary global history from a Christian perspective, The Next Christendom will be one of the significant landmarks pointing the way. --Mark Noll, Books & Culture |
| church history in plain language: Church History, Volume Two: From Pre-Reformation to the Present Day John D. Woodbridge, Frank A. James III, 2013-08-08 Church History, Volume Two chronicles the events, the triumphs, and the struggles of the Christian movement from the years leading up to the Reformation through the next five centuries to the present-day. Looking closely at the integral link between the history of the world and that of the church, Church History paints a portrait of God's people within the context of the times, cultures, and developments that both influenced and were influenced by the church. FEATURES: Maps, charts, and illustrations spanning the time from the thirteenth century to today. Explanations of all the major denominational movements, traditions, and schisms during and after the Reformation. Overviews of the Christian movement in Africa, eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America to cover the scope of the ecumenical environment of the twenty-first century. Insights into the role and influence of politics, culture and societal norms, and technology on the Western church. Unbiased details on the major theological controversies and issues of each period. AUTHORS' PERSPECTIVE: Authors John D. Woodbridge and Frank A. James III wrote this history of the church from the perspective that such a history is the story of the greatest movement and community the world has known—as imperfect as it still is. It's a human story of a divinely called people who want to live by a divine revelation. It's a story of how they succeeded and how they failed and of how they are still trying to live out their calling. From the Reformation theologians in Europe to the revivalists, apologists, and Christian thinkers all over the world, the historical figures detailed are people who have struggled with the meaning of the greatest event in history—the coming of the Son of God—and with their role in that event and in the lives of God's people. |
| church history in plain language: The One Year Christian History E. Michael Rusten, Sharon O. Rusten, 2003 What happened on this date in church history? From ancient Rome to the twenty-first century, from peasants to presidents, from missionaries to martyrs, this book shows how God does extraordinary things through ordinary people every day of the year. Each story appears on the day and month that it occurred and includes questions for reflection and a related Scripture verse. |
| church history in plain language: A History of the Church James B. North, Don Umphrey, 1991 Church history books must choose either brevity or thoroughness. A History of the Church does an excellent job combining both. Although it has been used as a college textbook, it also has been used successfully in local churches and personal study of church history as well. |
| church history in plain language: Church History, Volume One: From Christ to the Pre-Reformation Everett Ferguson, 2013-11-26 Church History, Volume One offers a unique contextual view of how the Christian church spread and grew from its development in the days of Jesus to the years leading up to the Reformation. Looking closely at the integral link between the history of the world and that of the church, Church History paints a portrait of God's people within its setting of times, cultures, and events that both influenced and were influenced by the church. FEATURES: Maps, charts, and illustrations spanning the time from the first through the thirteenth centuries. Overviews of the Roman, Greek, and Jewish worlds and how they developed or declined. Insights into the church's relationship to the Roman Empire, with glimpses into pagan attitudes toward Christians. Explanations of the role of art, architecture, literature, and philosophy—both sacred and secular—in the Church. Details on the major theological controversies of the periods. Each chapter also contains callout passages from Scripture to assist in understanding the narrative of the Church, even to the present day, as part of the greater narrative of the Bible. AUTHOR'S PERSPECTIVE: Scholar and writer Everett Ferguson wrote this history of the church from the perspective that such a history is the story of the greatest movement and community the world has known. It's a human story of a divinely called people who wanted to live by a divine revelation. It's a story of how they succeeded and how they failed or fell short of their calling. From the Apostle Paul to the apologists and martyrs of the second century to Martin Luther, the historical figures detailed are people who have struggled with the meaning of the greatest event in history—the coming of the Son of God—and with their role in that event and in the lives of God's people. |
| church history in plain language: Church History Johann Heinrich Kurtz, 1890 |
| church history in plain language: Plain Theology for Plain People Charles Octavius Boothe, 2017-09-20 Everyday Christians need practical and accessible theology. In this handbook first published in 1890, Charles Octavius Boothe simply and beautifully lays out the basics of theology for common people. Before the charge 'know thyself,' Boothe wrote, ought to come the far greater charge, 'know thy God.' He brought the heights of academic theology down to everyday language, and he helps us do the same today. Plain Theology for Plain People shows that evangelicalism needs the wisdom and experience of African American Christians. Walter R. Strickland II reintroduces this forgotten masterpiece for today. Lexham Classics are beautifully typeset new editions of classic works. Each book has been carefully transcribed from the original texts, ensuring an accurate representation of the writing as the author intended it to be read. |
| church history in plain language: Against Jovinianus St. Jerome, 2019-12-07 Jovinianus, about whom little more is known than what is to be found in Jerome's treatise, published a Latin treatise outlining several opinions: That a virgin is no better, as such, than a wife in the sight of God. Abstinence from food is no better than a thankful partaking of food. A person baptized with the Spirit as well as with water cannot sin. All sins are equal. There is but one grade of punishment and one of reward in the future state. In addition to this, he held the birth of Jesus Christ to have been by a true parturition, and was thus refuting the orthodoxy of the time, according to which, the infant Jesus passed through the walls of the womb as his Resurrection body afterwards did, out of the tomb or through closed doors. |
| church history in plain language: Turning Points Mark A. Noll, 2000 Explores twelve pivotal events in the history of Christianity ranging from the fall of Jerusalem and the coronation of Charlemagne to the Edinburgh Missionary Conference. |
| church history in plain language: What Did Jesus Look Like? Joan E. Taylor, 2018-02-08 Jesus Christ is arguably the most famous man who ever lived. His image adorns countless churches, icons, and paintings. He is the subject of millions of statues, sculptures, devotional objects and works of art. Everyone can conjure an image of Jesus: usually as a handsome, white man with flowing locks and pristine linen robes. But what did Jesus really look like? Is our popular image of Jesus overly westernized and untrue to historical reality? This question continues to fascinate. Leading Christian Origins scholar Joan E. Taylor surveys the historical evidence, and the prevalent image of Jesus in art and culture, to suggest an entirely different vision of this most famous of men. He may even have had short hair. |
| church history in plain language: Bullies and Saints John Dickson, 2021-05-11 Is the world better off without Christianity? Combining narrative with keen critique of contemporary debates, author and historian John Dickson gives an honest account of 2,000 years of Christian history that helps us understand what Christianity is and what it's meant to be. To say that the Christian Church has an image problem doesn't quite capture it. From the Crusades and the Inquisition to the racism and abuse present in today's Church--both in Catholic and Protestant traditions--the institution that Christ established on earth has a lot to answer for. But the Church has also had moments throughout history when it has been in tune with Jesus' teachings--from the rise of charity to the invention of hospitals. For defenders of the faith, it's important to be able to recognize the good and bad in the church's history and be inspired to live aligned with Christ. For skeptics, this book is a thought-provoking introduction to the idea that Christianity is, despite all, an essential foundation of our civilization. Bullies and Saints will take you on a big-picture journey from the Sermon on the Mount to the modern church: Giving contextual accounts of infamous chapters of Christian history, such as the Crusades, and acknowledging their darkness. Outlining the great movements of the faith and defending its heroes and saints, some of whom are not commonly recognized. Examining the Church beside the teachings and life of Jesus and how it has succeeded in its mission to imitate Christ. |
| church history in plain language: Politics and the English Language George Orwell, 2021-01-01 George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Politics and the English Language, the second in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell takes aim at the language used in politics, which, he says, ‘is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind’. In an age where the language used in politics is constantly under the microscope, Orwell’s Politics and the English Language is just as relevant today, and gives the reader a vital understanding of the tactics at play. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times |
| church history in plain language: Ecclesiastical History Sozomen, 1846 |
| church history in plain language: Church History Christopher Catherwood, 2007-03-06 In this concise, accessible guide, author Christopher Catherwood takes his readers through the history of the faith, educating them about the uniqueness of Christianity from its birth to the diverse, global Evangelical Church we know today. Church History is the perfect place to start for anyone who wants to know where to begin this quest for knowledge. Enjoy discovering more about the lives of men and women from various times and places, not only to better understand the church, but also to know how to live wisely in this age. These are some of the many reasons why history is so important. From those who desire to learn more about their fellow followers of Jesus Christ throughout history to those who want to learn more about church for themselves, this book will test you to dig deeper in your faith. |
| church history in plain language: Church History in Plain Language Workbook Bruce Shelley, Stacey Shelley Lingle, 2022-08-30 This workbook is designed to accompany the fifth edition of Bruce Shelley's Church History in Plain Language. Following the textbook's structure, this workbook offers discussion questions for group and personal reflection, assessments, activities, and resources for further study, all of which reinforce the textbook's teaching and support the students' learning experience. The newest edition of Bruce Shelley's Church History in Plain Language brings the story of global Christianity into the twenty-first century. In this fifth edition, Marshall Shelley assembled a team of historians, historical theologians, and editors to revise and update his father's classic text. As a result, it now includes important stories of the development of Christianity in Asia, India, and Africa, both in the early church as well as in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It also highlights the stories of women and non-Europeans who significantly influenced the development of Christianity but whose contributions are often overlooked in overviews of church history. Covering recent events, this book also: Details the rapid growth of Christianity in the southern hemisphere Examines the influence of technology on the spread of the gospel Discusses how Christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world Together with this workbook companion, the new edition of Church History in Plain Language provides an easy-to-read guide to global Christianity and promises to set a new standard for readable church history. |
| church history in plain language: Why Church History Matters Robert F. Rea, 2014-06-05 Does it matter how Christians in other times and places thought? For many contemporary Christians, questions about the role and value of church history can be difficult to tackle. Veteran teacher Bob Rea addresses these barriers, skillfully explaining not only why church history matters, but the difference it makes for life and ministry. |
| church history in plain language: After You Believe N. T. Wright, 2010-03-02 From the author of the acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries—what is our purpose? As Christians, what are we to do with that ambiguous time between baptism and the funeral? It's easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the here and now. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of dos and don'ts. Nor is it a prescription to follow your heart wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible's call for a revolution—a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives. We are all spiritual seekers, intuitively knowing there is more to life than we suspect. This is a book for anyone who is hoping there is something more while we're here on Earth. There is. We are being called to join the revolution, and Wright insightfully encourages readers to find new purpose and clarity by taking us on an eye-opening journey through key biblical passages that promise to radically alter the work of the church and the direction of our lives. |
| church history in plain language: An Illustrated Brief History of Western Philosophy Anthony Kenny, 2009-02-04 This illustrated edition of Sir Anthony Kenny’s acclaimed survey of Western philosophy offers the most concise and compelling story of the complete development of philosophy available. Spanning 2,500 years of thought, An Illustrated Brief History of Western Philosophy provides essential coverage of the most influential philosophers of the Western world, among them Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Jesus, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Berkeley, Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Mill, Nietzsche, Darwin, Freud, Frege, Russell, and Wittgenstein. Replete with over 60 illustrations - ranging from Dufresnoy’s The Death of Socrates, through to the title page of Thomas More’s Utopia, portraits of Hobbes and Rousseau, photographs of Charles Darwin and Bertrand Russell, Freud’s own sketch of the Ego and the Id, and Wittgenstein’s Austrian military identity card - this lucid and masterful work is ideal for anyone with an interest in Western thought. |
| church history in plain language: In the Year of Our Lord Sinclair B. Ferguson, 2018 The story of the church is important for Christians to know, for it contains rich and uplifting stories of God's dealings with His people. Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson takes the reader on a tour of the Christian history, featuring stories and songs to give believers a sense of their place in God's kingdom and to encourage them in their walk. |
| church history in plain language: History of the Church Captivating History, 2021-03-19 Two captivating manuscripts in one book: Church History The Reformation |
| church history in plain language: History of the Christian Church Philip Schaff, 1968 |
| church history in plain language: Holy Bible (NIV) Various Authors,, 2008-09-02 The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation. |
| church history in plain language: 5 Minutes in Church History Stephen J. Nichols, 2019 The history of the church is filled with stories. Stories of triumph, stories of defeat, stories of joy, and stories of sorrow. These stories are a legacy of God's faithfulness to His people. In this book, Dr. Stephen J. Nichols provides postcards from the church through the centuries. These snapshots capture the richness of Christian history with glimpses of fascinating saints, curious places, precious artifacts, and surprising turns of events. In exploring them, Dr. Nichols takes the reader on a lively and informative journey through the record of God's providence to encourage, challenge, and enjoy. This is our story--our family history. THE CENTURIES OF CHURCH HISTORY GIVE US A LITANY OF GOD'S DELIVERANCES. GOD HAS DONE IT BEFORE, MANY TIMES AND IN MANY WAYS, AND HE CAN DO IT AGAIN. HE WILL DO IT AGAIN. AND IN THAT, WE FIND COURAGE FOR TODAY AND FOR TOMORROW. |
| church history in plain language: Invitation to Church History, 2 Volume Set John D. Hannah, 2019-10-22 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. |
| church history in plain language: Church History in Plain Language Bruce Leon Shelley, 1982 |
| church history in plain language: The Story of Christianity David Bentley Hart, 2013-06-06 In The Story of Christianity, acclaimed theologian David Bentley Hart provides a sweeping and informative portrait of a faith that has shaped the western world and beyond for over 2,000 years. From the persecutions of the early church to the papal-imperial conflicts of the Middle Ages, from the religious wars of 16th- and 17th-century Europe to the challenges of science and secularism in the modern era, and from the ancient Christian communities of Africa and Asia to the 'house churches' of contemporary China, The Story of Christianity triumphantly captures the complexity and diversity of Christian history. |
| church history in plain language: Church History in Plain Language Bruce Shelley, 2021-07-13 Bruce Shelley's classic one-volume history of the church, now in 5th edition, brings the story of global Christianity into the twenty-first century and provides an easy-to-read guide to Christian history with compelling narrative and intellectual substance. |
Church History in Plain Language, Fifth Edition - amazon.com
Jul 13, 2021 · For almost 40 years, Church History in Plain Language has been perhaps the best one-volume introduction to the story of the Christian movement from its inception to the …
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Dec 10, 2013 · Church History in Plain Language treats history as the story of people—their motivations, the issues they grapple with, the decisions they make—and the result is that …
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The new edition of Church History in Plain Language promises to set a new standard for readable church history. Expand. Product Details. Page Count:624. Format:Softcover. …
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Feb 1, 1982 · Bruce L. Shelley. It's about time that someone wrote church history that tells about people, not just about "eras" and "ages." Church History in Plain Language taps the roots of …
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Mar 11, 2021 · Church history in plain language by Shelley, Bruce L. (Bruce Leon), 1927-Publication date 1982 Topics Church history, Christianity -- History -- Popular works Publisher …
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In Church History in Plain Language, Shelly lay’s out the foundations of the faith by showing students the history of their religion. Shelley aims to educate Christians as to where their faith …
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was not until 1867 that the steeple was added to the church. The last record of a communion service by the Reformed members at the Warstler Church was in 1857, at which time only 22 …
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the LMS, including some of the most illustrious names in mission history (e.g. Robert Moffat, David Livingstone). The LMS began life as an interdenominational society, …
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Church History can be thought of as the study of how God has intervened in the events of ... Key Thought: Make the monks familiar with language, culture and theology and enable the people …
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every time he realizes what modern computers can do for a rather plain writing. Speling, grammer, an sin tax isn’t won of my best trates. Praise the Lord for spell check and grammar …
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In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in …
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Church History in Plain Language Bruce Leon Shelley,1995 Traces the history of the Church, focusing on the motivations of its founders, conflicts, key figures, and defining events over …
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As its title indicates, this book is a short history of the Church of England. Retracing nearly five centuries of Church history in less than two hundred pages is no easy task. Even …
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CHURCH HISTORY Chapter 1 The Setting for the Story’s Beginning Emperor Tiberius, from Paestum (Archaeological Museum, Madrid). The organization of the empire seems to have provided a …
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