What do you think?
Rate this book
Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500
See how the thread of orthodoxy runs throughout the history of the church – even in the thousand years known as the “Dark Ages”.
If you study church history closely, you will see that there is a continuous thread of faithful, glorifying theology that gives God due honour, that takes Scripture as the principal authority over life and faith, and that nourishes our wonder and worship.
Despite its somewhat derogatory name, we can see that the light of the gospel was by no means extinguished in the millennium between 500 and 1500. Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert outline the story of this time through the lives of ten key figures of the Medieval
Leo the Great (400–461)Boethius (476–524)Alcuin (735–804)Gottschalk (814–868)Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109)Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153)Peter Waldo (1140–1205)Bonaventure(1221–1274)John Wycliffe (1320–1384)Jan Hus(1372–1415)Chronicles 1,000 Years of Orthodox Theology: see God’s providence in the faithful teaching of truth throughout history
Meet Key Historical some well–known, some less so, all in their place and time
Written for a wide audience: non–academic writing style makes this a great read for anyone interested in history
If you study church history closely, you will see that there is a continuous thread of faithful, glorifying theology that gives God due honour, that takes Scripture as the principal authority over life and faith, and that nourishes our wonder and worship.
Despite its somewhat derogatory name, we can see that the light of the gospel was by no means extinguished in the millennium between 500 and 1500. Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert outline the story of this time through the lives of ten key figures of the Medieval
Leo the Great (400–461)Boethius (476–524)Alcuin (735–804)Gottschalk (814–868)Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109)Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153)Peter Waldo (1140–1205)Bonaventure(1221–1274)John Wycliffe (1320–1384)Jan Hus(1372–1415)Chronicles 1,000 Years of Orthodox Theology: see God’s providence in the faithful teaching of truth throughout history
Meet Key Historical some well–known, some less so, all in their place and time
Written for a wide audience: non–academic writing style makes this a great read for anyone interested in history
152 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2024
11 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 12, 2024
From my interactions with Protestant parishioners over the years, it seems to me that there is this high brick wall between the present and the past. Most are fairly in-tune with recent history (sort of), barely in-tune with Reformation history up to the near present, and utterly out-of-tune with anything before 31 October 1517. That's where the high brick wall looms, with no perceptible way to climb it and gaze on the other side. But recently Christian Focus has happily published a handy, 152-page paperback, "Reclaiming the Dark Ages: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500." The authors,
Iain Wright, pastor of Covenant OPC, and Yannick Imbert, who holds the William Edgar Chair of Apologetics at Faculté Jean Calvin, Aix–en–Provence, southern France, and serves on the theological committee of the National Council of French Evangelicals, have sought to give Protestant Christians a boost so they can gaze over the wall, and a nice boost it is.
Wright and Imbert don't give readers a full-course meal, but rather a sampler plate. Guiding us chronologically, the authors allow us to spend a little time with Leo the Great (400–461), Boethius (476–524), Alcuin (735–804), Gottschalk (814–868), Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109), Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), Peter Waldo (1140–1205), Bonaventure(1221–1274), John Wycliffe (1320–1384), and Jan Hus (1372–1415). And they help us to start at the right end. Instead of readers seeing, first and foremost, the problems, dangers and unfaithfulness in those times, they help us to train "our theological minds to see the best first, instead of the worst" (xiv). The authors don't shy away from pointing out the theological and even moral problems, but they don't start there. In fact they help us to fathom a bit of the historical and social context of each specimen to consider the person charitably, while critically. That was clear all the way through and I kept saying, "Thank you, guys! Score one for you!"
In a nutshell, Wright and Imbert want us to see how the Gospel, God's truth, orthodox fidelity, and Scriptural priority have run through history. And for anyone who has ever delved deeply into the annuls of yesteryear knows, people are messy and antiquity was definitely untidy. Just like the world and the church are in 2024!
The authors spend a decent amount of time with each character. When one walks away from reading through Leo or Gottschalk, for example, they have a better sense of the times in which those characters lived, the theological and moral struggles around them and into which they lived, where they came up short, where they stood tall, and lessons we can learn from them. "The main thrust of this book was that the light of the Gospel was not expunged when Constantine made it acceptable to openly be part of the Church of Jesus Christ" (129). The authors reached their goal, in my mind.
"Reclaiming the Dark Ages" is perfect for just about anyone from Tweens to 80 year-olds. Ideal for High School and Adult classes, it is also very useful for personal education. Buy copies to give out this Christmas, and make sure you get one for your pastor. I highly recommend the book.
Iain Wright, pastor of Covenant OPC, and Yannick Imbert, who holds the William Edgar Chair of Apologetics at Faculté Jean Calvin, Aix–en–Provence, southern France, and serves on the theological committee of the National Council of French Evangelicals, have sought to give Protestant Christians a boost so they can gaze over the wall, and a nice boost it is.
Wright and Imbert don't give readers a full-course meal, but rather a sampler plate. Guiding us chronologically, the authors allow us to spend a little time with Leo the Great (400–461), Boethius (476–524), Alcuin (735–804), Gottschalk (814–868), Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109), Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), Peter Waldo (1140–1205), Bonaventure(1221–1274), John Wycliffe (1320–1384), and Jan Hus (1372–1415). And they help us to start at the right end. Instead of readers seeing, first and foremost, the problems, dangers and unfaithfulness in those times, they help us to train "our theological minds to see the best first, instead of the worst" (xiv). The authors don't shy away from pointing out the theological and even moral problems, but they don't start there. In fact they help us to fathom a bit of the historical and social context of each specimen to consider the person charitably, while critically. That was clear all the way through and I kept saying, "Thank you, guys! Score one for you!"
In a nutshell, Wright and Imbert want us to see how the Gospel, God's truth, orthodox fidelity, and Scriptural priority have run through history. And for anyone who has ever delved deeply into the annuls of yesteryear knows, people are messy and antiquity was definitely untidy. Just like the world and the church are in 2024!
The authors spend a decent amount of time with each character. When one walks away from reading through Leo or Gottschalk, for example, they have a better sense of the times in which those characters lived, the theological and moral struggles around them and into which they lived, where they came up short, where they stood tall, and lessons we can learn from them. "The main thrust of this book was that the light of the Gospel was not expunged when Constantine made it acceptable to openly be part of the Church of Jesus Christ" (129). The authors reached their goal, in my mind.
"Reclaiming the Dark Ages" is perfect for just about anyone from Tweens to 80 year-olds. Ideal for High School and Adult classes, it is also very useful for personal education. Buy copies to give out this Christmas, and make sure you get one for your pastor. I highly recommend the book.
November 4, 2024
This is a good church history read! The authors focus on a handful of faithful leaders during what is considered the "dark ages," for the purpose of showing that there remained a thread of Gospel light even during the most corrupt times of the church's history. Each chapter contains a mini biography, information on the sociopolitical setting of the times, and an explanation of the leader's theology/teaching/work. This is a short book, but it gives a great overview.
October 6, 2025
This is a Christian non-fiction book. For enjoyment and what I got out of it, I would give it about 7/10.
From the cover, I thought this book was going to be more of a devotional or biographical work. However, while it does include some biographies, it actually reads more like an academic book on church history and the development of church doctrine.
It is quite short in length, which means it moves quickly through several different characters and eras. I found that the writing contained some theological jargon. I have studied theology, so I was fine with this, but it’s not really a devotional-type book. It did, however, fill in some gaps for me regarding what was happening in that time period and made me curious to learn more.
From the cover, I thought this book was going to be more of a devotional or biographical work. However, while it does include some biographies, it actually reads more like an academic book on church history and the development of church doctrine.
It is quite short in length, which means it moves quickly through several different characters and eras. I found that the writing contained some theological jargon. I have studied theology, so I was fine with this, but it’s not really a devotional-type book. It did, however, fill in some gaps for me regarding what was happening in that time period and made me curious to learn more.
March 1, 2025
"Reclaiming the "Dark Ages"" is a very concise, yet very helpful introduction to many key figures during the Middle Age. The main idea I saw throughout this book was that though these days were "dark," the light of the gospel did not vanish. God was active in using men for the advancement of his kingdom and for the defense of the truths of his Word.
Another great thing about this book is that it has sparked a desire in me to read the works of the ten figures covered. There were quite a few I had never even heard of! So in this sense, I loved the book and would recommend it to any interested in Church history.
Another great thing about this book is that it has sparked a desire in me to read the works of the ten figures covered. There were quite a few I had never even heard of! So in this sense, I loved the book and would recommend it to any interested in Church history.
May 13, 2025
3.5 stars. The strength of this book is that it’s simple, clear, and does exactly what it sets out to do. It gives a helpful look at how the gospel light shone from 500 to 1500. It shows that God has never left the church without light—even during the so-called “Dark Ages.” It also pushes back on both Protestant and Catholic claims about the early church, reminding us that it “would be a mistake to argue that either Protestantism or Roman Catholicism sprang fully clothed and ready for battle.”
April 16, 2025
A very good introduction to 10 figures (their context, movements, theology, significance, and practical application to us today) from 10 centuries of church history. Who is this book most useful for? 1. I think it is a good refresher for those who have already obtained some familiarity with church history. 2. It may be a useful introduction that will inspire you to do further reading.
December 31, 2024
This book is concise and informative with the stated goal to get readers interested in church history. I also appreciate that the author points to other history books, which are more expansive and thorough.
April 5, 2025
Good book that gives you a glimpse of theology during the Middle Ages. Even during this time the gospel was still being proclaimed. This books talks about key figures that brought up doctrines that will be flushed out more during the Reformation.
July 21, 2025
Good information on Medievcalism
This book was OK. Lots of facts, very little insight into the people or persons discussed. I wouldn’t give it a super high rating, but it wasn’t bad either.
This book was OK. Lots of facts, very little insight into the people or persons discussed. I wouldn’t give it a super high rating, but it wasn’t bad either.
October 10, 2025
A very interesting read with an emphasis on understanding the culture of the times. I must say that my personal favorite would probably be Peter Waldo, who seems to have exemplified the words of Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf...."preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten."
October 14, 2025
Succint and purposeful, this volume chronicles the impacts of a select few of the giants (sinful giants, but giants nonetheless) on whose shoulders Christians today stand. I will definitely keep an eye out for more from these authors.
June 20, 2025
A decent introduction. A bit repetitive at times. No footnotes, but they do list a few sources at the end. Helpful for Protestants who have only been exposed to caricatures of the "dark ages."
September 21, 2025
The authors identify ten influential Christians of the Middle Ages to explain the wisdom of this unfairly maligned era. Highly recommended!
August 31, 2024
The title of this book immediately grabbed my attention and it did not fail to interest, challenge, and grow my understanding of this point in history. Besides, John Whycliff and a few others, I didn't recognize most of these men that the authors shared. These men did such incredible work during their time and it was amazing to read about how they paved the way for the Reformation. We sometimes think that the "Dark Ages" was indeed dark, and that God wasn't still at work during this period of time. The authors of this book dispell that notion by sharing several men that God used to shine the light of the gospel.
The authors did an incredible job of sharing these men and showing us God's providential work during the middle ages. With each chapter being dedicated to an individual, there is so much to learn from. Each chapter contains a biography sketch of each individual along with the context of the time that they lived. There is so much theology discussed and I love that at the end of each chapter there is a case made for why this is relevant to us. This is not just a theological/historical work, but contains edifying truths for the Christian life. Though these men were used by God, they weren't perfect. I appreciated that this book addresses that and takes a critical, yet humbling look at each individual's theology. This is not only an interesting and fascinating book on the subject, it is an edifying book for the Christian. Highly reccomend!
"As Protestant believers we must wrestle with a humble reading of the past, taking the risk of being encouraged, edified, and even corrected, by these medieval theologians. "
-Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert
Thank you @christianfocuspublications for a copy of this book for my honest thoughts!
The authors did an incredible job of sharing these men and showing us God's providential work during the middle ages. With each chapter being dedicated to an individual, there is so much to learn from. Each chapter contains a biography sketch of each individual along with the context of the time that they lived. There is so much theology discussed and I love that at the end of each chapter there is a case made for why this is relevant to us. This is not just a theological/historical work, but contains edifying truths for the Christian life. Though these men were used by God, they weren't perfect. I appreciated that this book addresses that and takes a critical, yet humbling look at each individual's theology. This is not only an interesting and fascinating book on the subject, it is an edifying book for the Christian. Highly reccomend!
"As Protestant believers we must wrestle with a humble reading of the past, taking the risk of being encouraged, edified, and even corrected, by these medieval theologians. "
-Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert
Thank you @christianfocuspublications for a copy of this book for my honest thoughts!
October 7, 2024
Concise history of exemplary Christian theologians throughout the ages leading to the Protestant Ref
This is a terrific little book that provides a concise and well organized history of exemplary Christian theologians and thinkers who expressed the message of the Gospel during times of intellectual abstraction, confusion, and persecution. This is a light read and can be supplemented with other books on the history of the Christian church, like those of Philip Schaff, Jaroslav Pelikan, and Nicholas Needham. But the authors preface their book in the view that many have become uninterested with the history of the development of Christian doctrine, and wish to encourage us to take steps back towards this interest so we can understand the fullness of its history. I really like this book, I have read about all the examples before in other books, but learned something new about each and learned from the synthesis of their contexts in which they lived and died.
This is a terrific little book that provides a concise and well organized history of exemplary Christian theologians and thinkers who expressed the message of the Gospel during times of intellectual abstraction, confusion, and persecution. This is a light read and can be supplemented with other books on the history of the Christian church, like those of Philip Schaff, Jaroslav Pelikan, and Nicholas Needham. But the authors preface their book in the view that many have become uninterested with the history of the development of Christian doctrine, and wish to encourage us to take steps back towards this interest so we can understand the fullness of its history. I really like this book, I have read about all the examples before in other books, but learned something new about each and learned from the synthesis of their contexts in which they lived and died.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews