The History of Christianity in Britain and Ireland: From the First Century to the Twenty-First

by Gerald L. Bray

The history of Britain and Ireland is incomprehensible without an understanding of the Christian faith that has shaped it. Introduced when the nations of these islands were still in their infancy, Christianity has provided the framework for their development from the beginning.

Gerald Bray’s comprehensive overview demonstrates the remarkable creativity and resilience of Christianity in Britain and Ireland. Through the ages, it has adapted to the challenges of presenting the gospel of Christ to different generations in a variety of circumstances. As a result, it is at once a recognizable offshoot of the universal church and a world of its own. It has also profoundly affected the notable spread of Christianity worldwide in recent times.

Although historians have done much to explain the details of how the church has evolved separately in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, a synthesis of the whole has rarely been attempted. Yet the story of one nation cannot be understood properly without involving the others; so, Gerald Bray sets individual narratives in an overarching framework.

Accessible to a general readership, The History of Christianity in Britain and Ireland draws on current scholarship to serve as a reference work for students of both history and theology.

Genres: Church History, History

720 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2021

About the author

Gerald L. Bray (Ph.D., University of Paris--Sorbonne) is director of research for the Latimer Trust, based in London, and a research professor at Samford University, teaching in the Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. A priest of the Church of England, Bray has also edited the post-Reformation Anglican canons. He has edited several volumes of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture and Ancient Christian Texts, as well as volume one of the Ancient Christian Doctrine series, all for IVP Academic. General EditorTimothy George (Th.D., Harvard University) is a renowned Reformation historian and author of Theology of the Reformers, as well as many other theological and historical works. He is founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and an executive editor of Christianity Today.

Reviews

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

The aim of this book is commendable, and the attempt impressive. To try and cover the entire history of the church in Britain in one volume is a large task. Unfortunately, the author focuses too much on the English establishment church story, and under represents the other three nations and nonconformity. At points, his lack of understanding of the Celtic nations borders on offensive.

However, I am sure that a revised edition, perhaps with input from theologians and historians who know the British context better, could help make an excellent book. I look forward to the next edition.

[David Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Links up the history of Britain and Ireland from a clear Bible-believing perspective that understands the people involved and their walk with Christ that shaped them. A plethora of insights. Nothing like it.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It probably is actually magisterial. It’s definitely big. Yet it’s also wonderfully idiosyncratic, surprisingly readable, and marvellously thorough. 628 pages of history - which felt like 300 - and 30 pages of bibliography. A gem from Apollos.

[Colby]

While I read this book physically, I still heard his voice reading it to me the entire time. My only regret is that I didn't finish this book at Navarre Beach in Florida.

There were so many delightful moments where he can help himself. Obviously his loyalties lie with the Puritans, and I think he can give short shrift to a few of the better High churchmen and Anglo-Catholics. But Bray is Reformed all the way. Regardless, this project is impressive in scope and duration.

I'm still confused as to what happened with William Laud

[Andrew W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really terrific book and a superb read.

I ought to admit I'm not totally unbiased here: Gerald Bray was my doctrine lecturer at college back in the late 1980s/early 90s. A comparatively young scholar back then, he has gone on to have a profilic career, both in lecturing and writing.

A man clearly of deep intellect and learning, he has that rare gift of being a scholar who can communicate clearly in everyday language to those who may not be from academic backgrounds. This book is a fine example of that. It's clear that a great deal of research lay behind this book, but he tells the story of Christianity in the British Isles in a lively way, with plenty of commonsense conclusions drawn as he reflects on the actions of people in the past.

In short, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It was published in 2021 and the final chapter even includes reflection on the impact Covid-19 and the lockdowns had on the Church.

Given how up to date it is at the end I would have liked to have seen more reflection on the possible impact of the GAFCON initiative on British Anglicanism. He does refer briefly to the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE) but with little or no comment.

But I would thoroughly recommend it. It was a Christmas present in 2022 and reading it was a wonderful way to spend those quiet days at the end of the year.

[Tamsin Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive and insightful book into the history of Christianity, mainly focusing on England. What Inlike about this book is how firstly the author is a Christian which then allows there to be such remarks and inference into the personal faith of generations and historical figures. I particularly enjoyed the chapters around the reformation which I had no knowledge of before.

I struggled with a few aspects of this book - as someone who has been in a non-denominational church for 10 years since I first became a Christian, there were so many words, mainly describing aspects in the more traditional church denominations, that I had never heard of and were given no explanation of so I had to do this research myself.

There were also a few times that there were no references given and one that stood out to me was how the Virgin Mary came to be and understood. A quick google search from me found a very different answer with references to various historical sources. It seemed the author gave a personal idea and didn’t research into this which then made me wary of what else could be opinion rather than research.

If you are looking for a really good place to start to learn about the history of Christianity in the UK then I highly recommend this book. I would also recommend then moving to other books to look deeper into certain eras and historical events.

[Andy Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 600+ page overview of what the title outlines.

Incredibly readable and accessibile. Reminded me of much I'd forgotten and taught me much I didn't know. Fascinating to see how many contemporary issues have historical presedents.

There is a large bibliography and Bray clearly has a good grasp of British Christian history. He is superb at summarising quite complex doctrinal issues and I found myself learning several of these.

As an ordained minister in the CoE there are many societies and groupings whose history is explained which I found really useful.

Bray acknowledges his bias' from the beginning and his traditional conservatice evangelicalism is obvious at many points. (as a relatively conservative evangelical myself.) eg Whevever miracles occurred, he exhibits caution ie 'reported healings'.

He admits Wales, Scotland and Ireland have far less coverage in this volume.

I would be interested to know whether his defence of Christians supporting colonialism due to abolishing the (Muslim) African slave trade is well supported.

All in all a superb book, I wish it was shorter in order that more would read it, yet if it was shorter it would lose its depth.

If you have the time and this topic interests you, I would go for it.

[Shane Goodyear · Rating 4 out of 5]

The History of Great Britain and Ireland

Tracing the history of the Gospel in this nation

Celtic from Ireland and north and Rome from the south in the early centuries6-7

The growth of the Church of England and non conformists in the reformation

The civil war and fight between independence presbertatians and Episcopalians

Victorian Britain Christianity hollowed out into moralism and lead to downful in mid 20 century- the death of Christian Britain


Arggrwsive secular atheistic humanism- the established church capitulated

However ends of positive note. The gospel is hitting the grassroots of this nation and denominational structures are becoming obsolete

Mentions Lcm in Victorian age

Keep praying for this nation that the gospel will penetrate the lower and upper eacholns of society

[Frank Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting analysis of which the development of Christianity is seen in a British Isles context. There are many references to more recent published works and citations from the Bible. This book puts the history into context, showing the legacy as well as salient points that are relevant to understanding in the current time. There are hymns and discussion of theology which will get folk thinking.

[Michael Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much Needed

What a great book that was needed that handles the breadth of history in the British Isles. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[John Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hugely comprehensive and thoroughly readable narrative covering the better part of twenty centuries of the ups and downs of the Christian faith on these two islands. It is thoroughly researched with oodles of helpful footnote references. Given the enormous scope, the author is only able to give a brief accounts of many of the events and personalities he covers. (However, that opens up whole new vistas for further reading on my part!) The book is clearly written from a Conservative Evangelical Reformed perspective (which I share), so readers from other perspectives may find themselves quarrelling with it at times, particularly in its coverage of recent trends in the church.