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History of the Christian Church
History Of The Christian Church, Volume 3
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This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
516 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1960
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About the author
Philip Schaff
1,633 books66 followersPhilip Schaff was educated at the gymnasium of Stuttgart, and at the universities of Tübingen, Halle and Berlin, where he was successively influenced by Baur and Schmid, by Tholuck and Julius Müller, by David Strauss and, above all, Neander. At Berlin, in 1841, he took the degree of B.D., and passed examinations for a professorship. He then traveled through Italy and Sicily as tutor to Baron Krischer. In 1842 he was Privatdozent in the University of Berlin, where he lectured on exegesis and church history. In 1843 he was called to become professor of church history and Biblical literature in the German Reformed Theological Seminary of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, then the only seminary of that church in America.
On his journey he stayed in England and met Edward Pusey and other Tractarians. His inaugural address on The Principle of Protestantism, delivered in German at Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and published in German with an English version by John Williamson Nevin was a pioneer work in English in the field of symbolics (that is, the authoritative ecclesiastical formulations of religious doctrines in creeds or confessions). This address and the "Mercersburg Theology" which he taught seemed too pro-Catholic to some, and he was charged with heresy. But, at the synod at York in 1845, he was unanimously acquitted.
Schaff's broad views strongly influenced the German Reformed Church, through his teaching at Mercersburg, through his championship of English in German Reformed churches and schools in America, through his hymnal (1859), through his labours as chairman of the committee which prepared a new liturgy, and by his edition (1863) of the Heidelberg Catechism. His History of the Apostolic Church (in German, 1851; in English, 1853) and his History of the Christian Church (7 vols., 1858-1890), opened a new period in American study of ecclesiastical history.
In 1854, he visited Europe, representing the American German churches at the ecclesiastical diet at Frankfort and at the Swiss pastoral conference at Basel. He lectured in Germany on America, and received the degree of D.D. from Berlin.
In consequence of the ravages of the American Civil War the theological seminary at Mercersburg was closed for a while and so in 1863 Dr. Schaff became secretary of the Sabbath Committee (which fought the “continental Sunday”) in New York City, and held the position till 1870. In 1865 he founded the first German Sunday School in Stuttgart. In 1862-1867 he lectured on church history at Andover.
Schaff was a member of the Leipzig Historical Society, the Netherland Historical Society, and other historical and literary societies in Europe and America. He was one of the founders, and honorary secretary, of the American branch of the Evangelical Alliance, and was sent to Europe in 1869, 1872, and 1873 to arrange for the general conference of the Alliance, which, after two postponements on account of the Franco-Prussian War, was held in New York in October 1873. Schaff was also, in 1871, one of the Alliance delegates to the emperor of Russia to plead for the religious liberty of his subjects in the Baltic provinces.
He became a professor at Union Theological Seminary, New York City in 1870 holding first the chair of theological encyclopedia and Christian symbolism till 1873, of Hebrew and the cognate languages till 1874, of sacred literature till 1887, and finally of church history, till his death. He also served as president of the committee that translated the American Standard Version of the Bible, though he died before it was published in 1901.
His History of the Christian Church resembled Neander's work, though less biographical, and was pictorial rather than philosophical. He also wrote biographies, catechisms and hymnals for children, manuals of religious verse, lectures and essays on Dante, etc. He translated Johann Jakob Herzog's Real-Encyklopädie für protestantische Theologie und Kirche into English.
On his journey he stayed in England and met Edward Pusey and other Tractarians. His inaugural address on The Principle of Protestantism, delivered in German at Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and published in German with an English version by John Williamson Nevin was a pioneer work in English in the field of symbolics (that is, the authoritative ecclesiastical formulations of religious doctrines in creeds or confessions). This address and the "Mercersburg Theology" which he taught seemed too pro-Catholic to some, and he was charged with heresy. But, at the synod at York in 1845, he was unanimously acquitted.
Schaff's broad views strongly influenced the German Reformed Church, through his teaching at Mercersburg, through his championship of English in German Reformed churches and schools in America, through his hymnal (1859), through his labours as chairman of the committee which prepared a new liturgy, and by his edition (1863) of the Heidelberg Catechism. His History of the Apostolic Church (in German, 1851; in English, 1853) and his History of the Christian Church (7 vols., 1858-1890), opened a new period in American study of ecclesiastical history.
In 1854, he visited Europe, representing the American German churches at the ecclesiastical diet at Frankfort and at the Swiss pastoral conference at Basel. He lectured in Germany on America, and received the degree of D.D. from Berlin.
In consequence of the ravages of the American Civil War the theological seminary at Mercersburg was closed for a while and so in 1863 Dr. Schaff became secretary of the Sabbath Committee (which fought the “continental Sunday”) in New York City, and held the position till 1870. In 1865 he founded the first German Sunday School in Stuttgart. In 1862-1867 he lectured on church history at Andover.
Schaff was a member of the Leipzig Historical Society, the Netherland Historical Society, and other historical and literary societies in Europe and America. He was one of the founders, and honorary secretary, of the American branch of the Evangelical Alliance, and was sent to Europe in 1869, 1872, and 1873 to arrange for the general conference of the Alliance, which, after two postponements on account of the Franco-Prussian War, was held in New York in October 1873. Schaff was also, in 1871, one of the Alliance delegates to the emperor of Russia to plead for the religious liberty of his subjects in the Baltic provinces.
He became a professor at Union Theological Seminary, New York City in 1870 holding first the chair of theological encyclopedia and Christian symbolism till 1873, of Hebrew and the cognate languages till 1874, of sacred literature till 1887, and finally of church history, till his death. He also served as president of the committee that translated the American Standard Version of the Bible, though he died before it was published in 1901.
His History of the Christian Church resembled Neander's work, though less biographical, and was pictorial rather than philosophical. He also wrote biographies, catechisms and hymnals for children, manuals of religious verse, lectures and essays on Dante, etc. He translated Johann Jakob Herzog's Real-Encyklopädie für protestantische Theologie und Kirche into English.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 23, 2024
THE THIRD OF EIGHT VOLUMES OF SCHAFF'S MASTERWORK
Philip Schaff (1819-1893) was a Swiss-born, German-educated Protestant theologian and Church historian, who was a professor at Union Theological Seminary. His 8-volume History is a classic; this third volume was originally published in 1866, and last revised in 1889. The next volume in the series is 'History of the Christian Church, Volume IV: Mediaeval Christianity. A.D. 590-1073.'
He argues that Augustine's philosophy of history in the 'City of God' is "dualistic, and does not rise to the unity and comprehensiveness of the divine plan." (Pg. 86) Later, he suggests that "The learning of Augustine was not equal to his genius" (Pg. 1000), although he is, of all the fathers, "nearest to evangelical Protestantism." (Pg. 1021)
He is mildly critical of the "heroism of the anchoretic life," as "worthy of admiration in its way," but then adds, "But this moral heroism... has no support either in the theory or the practice of Christ and the apostolic church; and it has far more resemblance to heathen than to biblical precedents." (Pg. 165) Furthermore, monasticism sometimes encouraged heresies: "Nestorianism also, and Eutychianism, Monophysitism, Pelagianism, and other heresies, preceded from monks, and found in monks their most vigorous advocates." (Pg. 199)
Of the earliest Church councils, he states, "The Protestant church justly holds the first four general councils in high, though not servile, veneration... because she perceives in them... the clearest and most suitable expression of the teaching of the Scriptures respecting the Trinity and the divine-human person of Christ." (Pg. 345)
Interestingly, he suggests that "pious fondness for relics" is acceptable "if it is confined within proper limits." (Pg. 454) He concludes that the Greek/Latin differences "illustrates the contrast between the conservative and stationary theology of the East... and the progressive and systematizing theology of the West." (Pg. 688)
Although there are certainly more recent histories of Christianity, Schaff's has justifiably remained in print since its original publication in the 19th century. It deserves a place on any serious theological bookshelf.
Philip Schaff (1819-1893) was a Swiss-born, German-educated Protestant theologian and Church historian, who was a professor at Union Theological Seminary. His 8-volume History is a classic; this third volume was originally published in 1866, and last revised in 1889. The next volume in the series is 'History of the Christian Church, Volume IV: Mediaeval Christianity. A.D. 590-1073.'
He argues that Augustine's philosophy of history in the 'City of God' is "dualistic, and does not rise to the unity and comprehensiveness of the divine plan." (Pg. 86) Later, he suggests that "The learning of Augustine was not equal to his genius" (Pg. 1000), although he is, of all the fathers, "nearest to evangelical Protestantism." (Pg. 1021)
He is mildly critical of the "heroism of the anchoretic life," as "worthy of admiration in its way," but then adds, "But this moral heroism... has no support either in the theory or the practice of Christ and the apostolic church; and it has far more resemblance to heathen than to biblical precedents." (Pg. 165) Furthermore, monasticism sometimes encouraged heresies: "Nestorianism also, and Eutychianism, Monophysitism, Pelagianism, and other heresies, preceded from monks, and found in monks their most vigorous advocates." (Pg. 199)
Of the earliest Church councils, he states, "The Protestant church justly holds the first four general councils in high, though not servile, veneration... because she perceives in them... the clearest and most suitable expression of the teaching of the Scriptures respecting the Trinity and the divine-human person of Christ." (Pg. 345)
Interestingly, he suggests that "pious fondness for relics" is acceptable "if it is confined within proper limits." (Pg. 454) He concludes that the Greek/Latin differences "illustrates the contrast between the conservative and stationary theology of the East... and the progressive and systematizing theology of the West." (Pg. 688)
Although there are certainly more recent histories of Christianity, Schaff's has justifiably remained in print since its original publication in the 19th century. It deserves a place on any serious theological bookshelf.
January 18, 2010
Another fantastic volume in Schaff's series. Schaff as always is elegant and thorough without being inaccessable. Despite the claim of the title, the book really focuses on the period from the rise of Constantine to the death of Augustine. The later 5th and 6th centuries are largely ignored (though major figures get some analysis, as Gregory the Great and Pseudo-Dionysius).
But, the main value of Schaff is not so much his narrative- there are more modern and easier to read histories out there- as it is in his insightful analysis of historical periods and characters. For example, his description of the importance of Christmas is worth remembering:
Likewise, Schaff's presentation of the complex figure of Jerome summarizes well a difficult man:
But above all, the two great heroes of the age are Athanasius (in the East) and Augustine (in the West). These two men between them define and conquer the era, and shed the light of their powerful intellects and fiery devotion over all subsequent eras. Our errors flow from their mistakes, and our strengths are bulit on foundations they laid down.
One example should show the importances Scahff places on these men:
But, the main value of Schaff is not so much his narrative- there are more modern and easier to read histories out there- as it is in his insightful analysis of historical periods and characters. For example, his description of the importance of Christmas is worth remembering:
The Christmas festival is the celebration of the incarnation of the Son of God. It is occupied, therefore, with the event which forms the centre and turning-point of the history of the world. It is of al lthe festivals the one most thoroughly interwoven with the popular and family life, and stands at teh head of the great feasts in the Western church year. It continues to be, in teh entire Catholic world and in the greater part of Protestant Christendom, the grad jubilee of children, on which innumerable gifts celebrate teh infinite love of God in the gift of his only-begotten Son. it kindles in mid-winter a holy fire of love and gratitude, and preaches in the longest night the rising of the Sun of life and the glory of the Lord. It denotes the advent of the true golden age, of the freedom and equality of all the redeemed before God and in God. no one can measure the joy and blessing which from year to year flow forth upon all ages of life from the contemplation of the holy child Jesus in his heavenly innocence and divine humility.
Likewise, Schaff's presentation of the complex figure of Jerome summarizes well a difficult man:
To rare talents and attainments, indefatigable activity of mind, ardent faith, immortal merit in the translation and interpretation of the Bible, and earnest zeal for ascetic piety, he united so great vanity and ambition, such irritability and bitterness of temper, such vehemence of uncontrolled passion, such an intolerant and persecuting spirit, and such inconstancy of conduct, that we find ourselves alternatively attracted and repelled by his character, and now filled with admiration for his greatness, now with contempt or pity for his weakness.
But above all, the two great heroes of the age are Athanasius (in the East) and Augustine (in the West). These two men between them define and conquer the era, and shed the light of their powerful intellects and fiery devotion over all subsequent eras. Our errors flow from their mistakes, and our strengths are bulit on foundations they laid down.
One example should show the importances Scahff places on these men:
Augustine, the man with upturned eye, with pen in the left hand and a burning heart in the right... is a philosophical and theological genius of the first order, towering like a pyramid above his age, and looking down commandingly upon succeeding centuries. he had a mind uncommonly fertile and deep, bold and soaring; and with it, what is better, a heart full of Christian love and humility. He stands right by the side of the greatest philosophers of antiquity and of modern times. We meet him alike on the broad highways and the narrow footpaths, on the giddy Alpine heights and in the awful depths of speculation, wherever philosophical thinkers before him or after him have trod.
June 10, 2024
I never thought I'd finish it, but - here we are! What an amazing journey - Philip Schaff is *the* magisterial church historian, and his prose makes for phenomenal reading as you journey through the history of Christ's Bride through some of the most hectic and violent episodes during her growing pains. Highly, highly recommend. On to the next!
December 30, 2021
Its rather long, but much better than the previous volume. The fathers and also their teaching, also the branches and many philosophy in that age was explained here. Its not boring at all. If you love philosophy and want to know history of many teaching, you would love this volume.
November 2, 2020
Excellent. Schaff's encyclopedic account of one of the most crucial time periods in the history of the church is a must read for anyone who wants to seriously study Church history. Recommended!
December 12, 2020
Interesting, insightful, exciting, inspiring. A very strong entry in this series.
January 19, 2024
Schaff does an excellent job throughout this entire series. The work is thorough and detailed. This work is obviously the result of a lifetime of learning and research. Schaff uses countless resources for reference and citation. His opinions/conjectures remain objectively true throughout the entire series. Although his son takes over beginning in Vol V, it is still mostly the work of Schaff the elder throughout. I would urge any student to learn Church History well and to do so with this series as the focal point of study.
It should be noted that this Publisher is the absolute worst example of publishing I have ever witnessed. The first 4 volumes are missing substantial portions of Greek and the last 4 are missing substantial portions of common English text whenever there is a footnote. There are about 1,000 footnotes in each volume. Purchase from a different Publisher.
It should be noted that this Publisher is the absolute worst example of publishing I have ever witnessed. The first 4 volumes are missing substantial portions of Greek and the last 4 are missing substantial portions of common English text whenever there is a footnote. There are about 1,000 footnotes in each volume. Purchase from a different Publisher.
September 9, 2017
An aged writing prefaced by the author in 1889, nevertheless, it is good survey of Christian history from 311-600 A.D. The last two sections were the most informative and interesting, chapter 9 dealing with theological controversies and chapter 10, a summary of fathers starting with the Greek father Eusebius and ending with the Latin father Augustine. I thoroughly enjoyed the sections on the Augustine-Pelagius controversy and it was quite ironic to read about the high measure of influence Augustine had on both the Catholic and Protestant churches, while, at the same time, his holding of certain theological views contrary to both Christian bodies.
A good read for those needing an introduction to Christian history.
A good read for those needing an introduction to Christian history.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews