Introduction to the History of Christianity: Third Edition

by Timothy Dowley (Editor)

Now in its third edition, Tim Dowley's masterful one-volume survey of church history has an updated design and new content, particularly in the section covering most recent Christian history. The inviting full-color format includes many new images and updated maps, while maintaining many of the features that made the second edition a popular volume for the classroom. Dowley has assembled a global cast of respected scholars to write the full story of the rise of the Christian faith and to provide a rounded picture of the worldwide development of Christianity. The volume has been praised as accurate, scholarly, and balanced. Its writers are committed to Christianity but also to the unhindered pursuit of truth that does not avoid the darker aspects of the varied story of Christianity. The accessible text is supported by detailed timelines, maps, profiles of key figures in Christianity, colorful images, and a complete glossary. Each section includes questions for discussion.

Genres: Church History

620 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2018

Reviews

[Nickolas Wingholt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The myriad of different authors trying to keep one cohesive history together was dizzying. Also, there were several points at which I was curious if said authors were even writing from a Christian perspective. Other than that, the content wasn't awful - I may return to this at some point and try to give it a more favorable review. But definitely not what I would recommend for an intro to church history. Very disjointed. 1st time read. 2/5.

[Marc Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for Church History I and II. A good resource, but I prefer Justo Gonzalez' two volume work. I don't love that each chapter is written by a different person. It provides a variety of perspectives, but leaves the overall book feeling very disjointed.

[Tanner Hawk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think there's a great way to cover nearly 2000 years of global church history in only 642 pages, but this book seemed like a decent overview despite the fact that in many places it felt pretty disjointed (probably a result of each chapter being written by a different author).