History of the World Christian Movement, Vol. 2: Modern Christianity from 1454-1800

by Dale T. Irvin, Scott W. Sunquist (Joint Author)

The first volume of this ground-breaking history traced the development of Christianity from its origins up to the midfifteenth century. It won immediate acclaim as a landmark of the unfolding understanding of World Christianity. In place of conventional Eurocentric treatments, this work assigned a rightful place to the peoples of Africa, Asia, and the near East in the unfolding of Christianity, a religion constantly evolving in dialogue with new cultures, new questions, and new historical influences.

Volume II continues the story up to the dawn of the modern era. Beginning with the missionary expansion of the fifteenth century, the story goes on to trace the fracturing of the Christian movement among Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant versions; the impact of modern colonialism and the emergence of a new global reality; the wars of religion, the impact of the Enlightenment, the rise of Christianity in North america, and the modern missionary movement. Throughout, the authors emphasize the expression of local forms of Christianity in diverse cultures, and the role of Christianity in helping to shape distinct national identities.

Genres: History, Church History, Theology, Religion

500 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Seth Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly easy to read for a book crammed with so much historical content

[Kyle Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the most tedious but rewarding books I have ever read. This tension mostly stems from the same cause, namely, that it truly represents a global approach to church history. Each century covered is methodically divided into regions of the world, fighting the typical Western-centrism of Reformation history, especially. The more obscure regions with their more obscure events and characters provide both the tedium and the reward of broadening one's awareness and acknowledgement of the rich history of the global church.

[Linden Leman · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading now the second of three volumes, I have a better respect and understanding for what Irvin & Sunquist are trying to achieve with this series. I commend it for being so comprehensive, and support the goal of writing a Christian history that doesn't jump to reductionist (and inevitably Western) narratives, and acknowledges the full complexity and depth of an ancient and global religious movement. However, I still think that this goal can be achieved AND still produce a readable text. The way these books are organized and written makes them basically un-skimmable and, for most sections, just straight BORING. Christian history is super cool, so it's just a bummer that they've managed to make it so dry.

[Doris Raines · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LIKE THIS BOOK.

[Jabez Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself is great and offers broad strokes on the history of the Christian Movement. However, it was a little easy to get lost when it hit the European nations for some reason.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough history of Christianity throughout the world between the mid-15th century and the end of the18th century.

The task was daunting and the authors were good at presenting the history with little editorial content.

In a few places they missed nuances of Catholicism. There were a few repetitious parts, but that may be due to the nature of a work that really embraced the world. Also, I felt the last chapter on religion in North America in the 18th century was a little too short. I would have liked some more detail.

If you want to learn about the spread of Christianity throughout the world int eh early modern era, here's a good beginning.

[Marti Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! A lot in this text. Glad I bought it electronically, as I used up two highlighters on volume 1. In a related work, Sunquist says a volume 3 of this series is in the works.