A History of Christian Thought Volume 3: From the Protestant Reformation to the 20th Century

A History of Christian Thought #3

by Justo L. González

A treatment of the evolution of Christian thought from the birth of Christ, to the Apostles, to the early church, to the great flowering of Christianity across the world. The final volume begins with the towering theological leaders of the Protestant Reformation and traces the development of Christian thought through its encounter with modernity.

Volume
#2  9781426721915
Volume #1  9781426721892

Genres: History, Theology, Church History, Religion, Christianity, Christian, Academic

638 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 1987

About the author

Justo L. González, author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought and other major works, attended United Seminary in Cuba, received his MA at Yale, and was the youngest person to be awarded a PhD in historical theology at Yale. He is one of the few first generation Latino theologians to come from a Protestant background. He helped to found the Association for Hispanic Theological Education and the Hispanic Theological Initiative. Dr González is now on the faculty of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

Reviews

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars, between "liked" and "really liked." I repeatedly wanted more detail, but had to keep reminding myself that this was written as an introduction to the topic for those with no background in it. This 3 volume series is accessible, clear and, some quibbles aside (some won't care for its heavy Protestant weighting or its lack of coverage of the nouvelle theologie school around the time of Vatican II and since....), it does an able job of what it set out to do. It really could use an update, however. Its last chapter was written pre-fall of communism and many of its secondary sources, especially on certain chapters (eg. Luther and Calvin) are quite dated and there has been much very good recent scholarship...perhaps even just updates to bibliography and an updated Chapter 16?? Otherwise, solid.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I made it through all three volumes of A History of Christian Thought. I learned that I made a good choice becoming a Catholic, not because it is better or worse than any other denomination, but because the differences between the Catholic Church and other denominations since the Second Vatican Council are not anything that I am concerned with. I became a Catholic because I love my wife, I like going to Mass, and I felt a spiritual calling to the church, and I believe those are a good a reason as any. Let me say it again, I got nothing but love for Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and any other denomination or religion not my own. There are many ways up the mountain, and if anybody ever needs my help on their own journey, well then I’ll do what I can.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall history of the development of Christian thought in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. There are some spots were he says some strange things, but it doesn’t take away from the overall work. Recommended!

[Charles Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The discussion of the Post-Reformation leaves a lot to be desired. Gonzalez, in spite of attempts to the contrary, essentially views all Reformed theology through the lens of how it compares to Calvin. He criticized Beza and the later Reformed Scholastics for being overly dogmatic and untrue to Calvin's legacy, when from their own writings it is quite clear that their primary concern was to be faithful to the Scriptures, not to Calvin.

[Garrett Erskine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic in Christian theological development every pastor and theologian should have this on their shelves. Gonzalez has a fantastic perspective on theological development that offers keen insight into the church's history. I recommend this for Protestant and Catholic writers alike.

[Sabio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history of Christian Theology by a believer.

[Mikedinnen]

I think Gonzalez is a wonderful author. He is very easy to read and gives a wonderful survey.

[Kim Ernest]

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