God's Timeline: The Big Book of Church History

by Linda Finlayson

With colour illustrations, pictures, and pull–out timelines, this history book brings the church throughout the ages to life!   Learn about the Early, Medieval and Missionary church, passing through key events such as the Council of Nicea and the Reformation – right through to the present day. Find out about the people God used and the impact they had on those around them – including us today!   This fascinating book is split into five colour–coded Sixteen colourful illustrated timelines place key events in church history in a broader historical context. Maps show the ways in which the gospel spread; tables clearly and simply lay out differences in beliefs; and illustrated pages explain key events, people and theological debates throughout the church’s 2,000 year history.   Although each period is different from the others, there are common threads that run through all of church history. Symbols highlight a number of important things to look out This absorbing book will be a great aid to anyone looking for an overview of church history. The pull–out poster featuing the whole timeline, plus key herores and villains, make it easy to trace God’s work through his church.

Genres: History, Christian, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction, Reference, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

Published February 2, 2018

About the author

There is an odd notion among school children that history is boring, just full of dates and events. But in fact history is really about people and their stories. Their stories range from dramatic adventures to examples of quiet courage, from those who chose to pursue the good and those who did not. What a treasure chest for a writer to choose from, especially for children.

I write biographies and true adventure stories for children partly to entertain and partly to teach. There's nothing wrong with a fast-paced tale to keep a child focused on a book, and if they can be learning about their Christian heritage at the same time, all the better. There are many men and women in church history who can act as inspiring examples to our children, and it is my hope to make them accessible through my books.

I have enjoyed working with children in schools, churches and children's clubs, and these ministry opportunities have inspired me to bring together my love of books, children and history.

Reviews

[Kirk]

The many timelines in this book do a great job of linking the story of the church to the major events in history. The author's seeming enthusiasm for the Crusades is a bit puzzling, and the comparison of Christianity and Islam seems to lack a focus on the figure of Jesus a bit. Nonetheless, the book would make a solid addition to a home library for introducing children to the major events, debates, and figures in church history.

[Raven Annette]

Very good overview. We will revisit again for sure!

[Jon Vos]

A nice timeline. Doesn’t quite reach children the way it probably intends to.

[Cory]

This is a great intro to church history both for kids or even very new converts to Christianity.

[Joanna Among Paper Petals]

I absolutely loved this book. I got it for my children's homeschooling and we've flipped through it as needed for their lessons, but I decided to actually read through the entire thing.

Some things I had to look up real quick to get a fuller understanding of what the book mentioned, and a reader could definitely use this as a jumping off point to dig more into this subject. Some missionaries my kids and I recognized from our studies, and seeing where these people fit in the timeline put history more into perspective.

I loved how the book included significant events in history as well, like wars, kings and queens and the back and forth of religions, Church persecution within our own church body, heretical teachings, when the age of enlightenment began and it's affects, separation of church and state, etc. There was so much in this book and though it's marketed for children 6-12 years old, teens and adults can easily grow in understanding with this book too.

This one is staying forever in my library. ❤️

[Ashley Bacon]

Good overview but I wanted more more more! Sure, I’m an adult and the target audience is a curious child but a curious child would likely want more information too. Also, I expected it to be unbiased but that wasn’t the case. Interesting as I haven’t read another book like this to compare to. Is bias in a timeline typical? 🤔

[Laelle McKinney]

I learned so much from this short book on church history. Beautiful illustrations and colorful timelines really help engage the reader and make history come alive. I will be flipping through this often!

[Harmony]

Great resource for the five different church ages! As someone who didn’t learn church history growing up, I learned just as much as my kids did. 4.5 stars

[Carrie]

Great overview of church history.

[JoTheReviewer]

This book gives a nice overview of the subject of church history that I think is a good start for those unfamiliar with it. 

It can be biased at times, and it's biggest flaw was using the Nuda Scriptura definition to describe Sola Scriptura (Know the difference!). 

In light of that, I think it's best to read it alongside other church history sources to get a good picture of the subject overall.

7/10