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Christian History in Seven Sentences: A Small Introduction to a Vast Topic (Introductions in Seven Sentences)

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Overview

The history of the Christian church is a fascinating story.

Since the ascension of Jesus and the birth of the church at Pentecost, the followers of Christ have experienced persecution and martyrdom, established orthodoxy and orthopraxy, endured internal division and social upheaval, and sought to proclaim the good news “to the end of the earth.” How can we possibly begin to grasp the complexity of the church’s story?

In this brief volume, historian Jennifer Woodruff Tait provides a primer using seven sentences to introduce readers to the sweeping scope of church history.

Among the sentences:

“No one whatsoever should be denied the opportunity to give his heart to the observance of the Christian religion.” —The Edict of Milan (AD 313)

“Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one substance from the Father.” —The Nicene Creed (325)

“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘ Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” —Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (1517)

“The church is confronted today, as in no preceding generation, with a literally worldwide opportunity to make Christ known.” —The Edinburgh Conference (1910)

Pick up and read. The story continues.

This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.

  • Provides a primer to introduce readers to the sweeping scope of church history
  • Explores the complexity of the church’s story
  • Introduction
  • The Edict of Milan (313)
  • The Nicene Creed (325)
  • The Rule of St. Benedict (c. 530)
  • The Excommunication of Patriarch Kerularios by Pope Leo IX via Cardinal Humbert (1054)
  • Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
  • The Edinburgh Conference (1910)
  • The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965)
  • Conclusion
Church history can be daunting, especially to those who’ve never had good history teachers. Yet it has played a massive role in shaping the faith we share today. Who better than Jennifer Woodruff Tait, the editor of the leading popular magazine on the subject (Christian History), a part-time minister, and fantastic teacher, to get us over our fears and introduce us to some of the most important episodes in the Christian tradition. This is a clear, fair-minded, and reliable introduction to the most important subject you have yet to understand. Warmly recommended.

—Douglas A. Sweeney, dean and professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Jennifer Woodruff Tait thinks that study of the Christian past provides ‘navigation charts’ to help believers sail safely through the turbulent waters of the present. Her sharply focused attention to seven key sentences from strategic moments in the history of Christianity demonstrates the wisdom of her metaphor. This book is an ideal resource (with another metaphor) to begin mining the riches of the past for the best kind of wisdom in the present.

—Mark Noll, author of Turning Points: Strategic Moments in the History of Christianity

This book is full of sensible and occasionally surprising decisions, all of them elegantly expressed. It has something for everyone—theological disputation, political intrigue, spiritual insight, and a touch of drama. Woodruff Tait has managed the seemingly impossible task of distilling the church’s history into a slender volume. Best of all, she imbues that history with a sense of tradition. One feels the gravity and freedom that comes with taking up the Christian tradition as one’s own. This is church history as it should be, written for any and for all.

—Justus H. Hunter, assistant professor of church history at United Theological Seminary

Reviews

2 ratings

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  1. TImothy P. Locklear II
  2. Glenn Crouch

    Glenn Crouch

    4/25/2022

    I must admit to being a little sceptical when I viewed the contents of this reasonably short book. Whilst the title clearly indicates that this is meant to be a “small introduction”, and as a student of Church History for over 40 years, I wasn’t sure where the Author was going to go with the 7 sentences chosen. Of course being a Lutheran Pastor, I agreed with the choice of the 95 Theses and the Nicene Creed (realising that the latter was more complex as far as history goes than the former) - but I thought to myself surely there were better choices for the other 5. I have been blessed in reading this book, and for the journey that the author has taken me on. We indeed covered the almost 2000 years of Christian History, with the journey taking many different routes (sometimes quite briefly). Resulting in a refreshing of my interest in some areas that I haven’t looked enough in. PLUS the very nice Recommended Reading at the end of each of the chapters is wonderful - and sadly often missing in similar “small books”. Highly recommended, and I would encourage you to go on the journey that the Author wants to take you on :)

$13.99

Digital list price: $17.99
Save $4.00 (22%)