Seven Summits in Church History

by Jason G. Duesing

The history of Christianity is like that of a great mountain range, with immense length comprised of peaks and valleys, enduring both stormy and prosperous weather. Certain figures in this history have risen to high peaks and represent significant moments in theological development. These figures are the hinge for major swings in the expansion of Christian thought.

Duesing offers a quick, yet insightful introduction to seven of the highest peaks worth climbing in church history. His biographical summaries include Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Hubmaier, Edwards, Carey, and Henry. By examining the peaks of Christian history in these seven figures, this book engages several key issues without overwhelming the reader. It is brief but packed withpertinent information any student of history should know.

Genres: Church History, Biography

132 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2016

About the author

Serving Christ at the end of all things (1 Peter 4:7) for the glory of God (1 Peter 4:11) and the joy of all nations (Psalm 67:4), Jason G. Duesing is the academic Provost and Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary & College. Duesing earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology and Baptist Studies from Southwestern Seminary in 2008. He also holds a M.Div. from Southeastern Seminary and a B.A. in Speech Communications from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Duesing is married to Kalee, and together they have two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve.

Jason G. Duesing can be reached via email at jduesing [at] mbts [dot] edu, on Twitter at @JGDuesing, on Instagram at @JGDuesing, and on Facebook.

Reviews

[Todd Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duesing selected seven significant men from church history and wrote a short summary of their bios and contributions. The writing is engaging; the chapters are short. If you have not heard of the seven men Duesing selected, you will receive a brief intro to each. If you are somewhat familiar with them, then I am not sure you will learn much and would be better served elsewhere. I am also not sure about his selections. Hubmaier? No Athanasius? Both Calvin and Luther? That is three men from the same rough era while enormous swaths of history are left unmentioned. On a positive note, I thought the chapter on William Carey was the best and probably worth the price of the book. Duesing's opening chapter was also very well done as he surveyed the value of church history.

[Drew Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was not an exhaustive look at any of the seven men mentioned in this book, it does move one to know more about those who God has used to deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ to us. This book has shown me the value of climbing the mountain of church history as well as reminded me of the greatness and goodness of God in the ages past and certainly in the ages to come.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of church history. I like the idea of the seven summits, I am not sure I would include some of these men that he included, even though they are all amazing men, and I actually learned some stuff from this book! Recommended!

[Barry G. Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good , but far too brief

This book is a good intro for someone unlearned in church history. However, it is far too brief a surface treatment to be of use or interest to anyone already past that introductory stage.

[Timothy Gatewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to seven figures of Church History. The book is very brief, as the author no doubt intended, so this book is most helpful to a new student. Still, the book offered helpful reminders that many of us too easily forget.

[Derek Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most readable history book I’ve ever been exposed to. It mentions important moments in 7 important figures, and the illustration that guides the book is one that helps with making history come alive. This is a book to spark historical fascination and should be a good primer for anyone hesitant on church history.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a very basic intro to seven significant men in church history that rates only 3-stars for content and historical context. But Jason Duesing’s gift for writing, his introduction to the study of church history, and his chapter on William Carey in particular pull it up to 4-stars.

It is an easy read and there several worthy quotes to be gleaned or tweeted. Best used to get others interested in climbing the summits through more in-depth biographies.