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Inexplicable: How Christianity Spread to the Ends of the Earth
The name of Jesus and His teachings captured people’s hearts and minds throughout much of the world long before Christianity was legal. Long before armies and governments protected or supported it, and then long after Emperor Constantine’s reign as many leaders misused it for their own gains or religious views. Christianity also survived brutal persecutions during many centuries, including the present. Its growth seems inexplicable . The Pew Research Center’s recent work supports the claim that “Christianity is the only religion in the world with a major presence on every continent.” Inexplicable traces this remarkable spread of Jesus’s followers. The spread of Christianity, and its ongoing vitality, might be inexplicable, but it certainly is undeniable. This remarkable book, robust in its historical accuracy, gives the reader an engaging account of how Christianity spread to all the continents. Dr. Jerry Pattengale conveys the tumultuous growth of our faith without covering up the massive failures on the part of some who simultaneously called themselves Christians. Yes, this “history” is all-important for us as informed citizens of planet earth, but it is critical for those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus. — David Wright, President, Indiana Wesleyan University
- GenresHistory
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 30, 2020
Christianity is the only religion in the world with a major presence on every continent."
And with the above quote, Jerry Pattengale takes the reader on a six chapter journey through every region of the world, as he traces Christianity from its dramatic beginnings in the Middle East and North Africa to its inexplicable sphere of influence today.
When I spied this book in a bookstore, I took a photo of it as a reminder to take another look at it one day. Being unable to get it off my mind, however, within ten minutes I was standing in line at the register clutching my newest book treasure. Going into a bookstore and "just looking" is often hazardous.
"Inexplicable" provides an engaging outline of how the followers of Jesus Christ carried his message to every continent on Earth in a mere two thousand years. Mr. Pattengale begins in a storytelling mode that describes the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and its immediate effects on his followers, in a very original way. As a lifelong Christian, I know this story well; yet the author made it both fresh and riveting.
Jerry Pattengale covers many of the well-known "heroes of the faith," as well as many that I had never heard of but who deserve to be well known. He points out that most of those who were "gossiping the gospel" outward from Jerusalem, through North Africa and Rome, and to the ends of the earth, were simple folk. Like us.
There are numerous surprises in the narratives. Who knew the Visigoth "barbarians" that rampaged through Rome "embraced a non-Trinitarian version of the Christian faith"? And I was heartened, if not delighted, to learn of the current explosive growth of Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa, land of my ancestors.
This is not a "pat ourselves on the back, feel-good about being a Christian" sort of book, however. The historical record reflects not just missionaries and martyrs who went to great lengths for the faith. The message of Christianity (or some astonishing version thereof) was often transported by "missionaries" that rampaged, looted and slaughtered as thoroughly as any pagan army. The horrors of the Spanish conquistadors. The hypocrisies and politics of the transatlantic slave trade. Mr. Pattengale examines with a clear eye both the wonders and the atrocities that came out of the spread of Christianity. And he contemplates, as we all might, God's grace not only to a sinful world, but to us, his imperfect church.
As a final note, I was particularly pleased by the thoroughness and clarity of the footnotes and resources, both in Scripture and beyond. "Inexplicable" is, to me, a great starting point for delving into the histories that, by the power of God, brought the church to where we are today. Through it, we can all gain a better sense of our unique place and path in the story of God's salvation.
And with the above quote, Jerry Pattengale takes the reader on a six chapter journey through every region of the world, as he traces Christianity from its dramatic beginnings in the Middle East and North Africa to its inexplicable sphere of influence today.
When I spied this book in a bookstore, I took a photo of it as a reminder to take another look at it one day. Being unable to get it off my mind, however, within ten minutes I was standing in line at the register clutching my newest book treasure. Going into a bookstore and "just looking" is often hazardous.
"Inexplicable" provides an engaging outline of how the followers of Jesus Christ carried his message to every continent on Earth in a mere two thousand years. Mr. Pattengale begins in a storytelling mode that describes the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and its immediate effects on his followers, in a very original way. As a lifelong Christian, I know this story well; yet the author made it both fresh and riveting.
Jerry Pattengale covers many of the well-known "heroes of the faith," as well as many that I had never heard of but who deserve to be well known. He points out that most of those who were "gossiping the gospel" outward from Jerusalem, through North Africa and Rome, and to the ends of the earth, were simple folk. Like us.
There are numerous surprises in the narratives. Who knew the Visigoth "barbarians" that rampaged through Rome "embraced a non-Trinitarian version of the Christian faith"? And I was heartened, if not delighted, to learn of the current explosive growth of Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa, land of my ancestors.
This is not a "pat ourselves on the back, feel-good about being a Christian" sort of book, however. The historical record reflects not just missionaries and martyrs who went to great lengths for the faith. The message of Christianity (or some astonishing version thereof) was often transported by "missionaries" that rampaged, looted and slaughtered as thoroughly as any pagan army. The horrors of the Spanish conquistadors. The hypocrisies and politics of the transatlantic slave trade. Mr. Pattengale examines with a clear eye both the wonders and the atrocities that came out of the spread of Christianity. And he contemplates, as we all might, God's grace not only to a sinful world, but to us, his imperfect church.
As a final note, I was particularly pleased by the thoroughness and clarity of the footnotes and resources, both in Scripture and beyond. "Inexplicable" is, to me, a great starting point for delving into the histories that, by the power of God, brought the church to where we are today. Through it, we can all gain a better sense of our unique place and path in the story of God's salvation.
March 29, 2020
Most Christian or church histories concentrate on the spread of Christianity into Europe and then North America. However, this short history covers ALL continents. Mr. Pattengale does not shy away from relating the disturbing methods and ideas of the Christians who carried the message of Jesus to every part of the world either. He also highlights many of the obstacles and hardships of the missionaries. God bless the broken road and choppy seas that brought this glorious message to me. :)
January 1, 2021
I already reviewed this as Valerie R. Jackson, but I want to give it an official thumbs up as the CuPa blog. The thoroughness of Mr. Pattengale's research into the spread of Christianity, and the readability of his writing style, makes this book a treasure. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy in the "can hardly wait for the next chapter" manner, but I consider it a resource for future studies and bible lessons.
March 27, 2021
Highly recommend
August 25, 2021
Great vantage point
Inexplicable gives the reader the ability to see Christianity through panoramic lenses. It doesn't try to defend, accuse or even deny certain atrocities under the guise of godliness but reports the facts. It also debunked the myth that Europe is the champion of the Christian faith but rather exposes the demise it experienced when in its grip. I enjoyed it and will recommend it and may have to even read it over since at one point I felt like it carried me in a circle, however I am the richer for it and have a healthier appreciation for the development of the faith it degeneration and distraction with politics but the defiance to conquer all odds fulfilling what the Founder said about it when He spoke prophetically to the foundational leaders. I will build my church and the powers of death will not be able to overpower it.
Inexplicable gives the reader the ability to see Christianity through panoramic lenses. It doesn't try to defend, accuse or even deny certain atrocities under the guise of godliness but reports the facts. It also debunked the myth that Europe is the champion of the Christian faith but rather exposes the demise it experienced when in its grip. I enjoyed it and will recommend it and may have to even read it over since at one point I felt like it carried me in a circle, however I am the richer for it and have a healthier appreciation for the development of the faith it degeneration and distraction with politics but the defiance to conquer all odds fulfilling what the Founder said about it when He spoke prophetically to the foundational leaders. I will build my church and the powers of death will not be able to overpower it.
July 30, 2023
Inexplicable gives the reader quite an extensive and accurate historical account of how Christianity has spread all over the world. This despite challenges, persecution, mistakes, failures, false doctrines, scandals etc.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews