The Church of the East: A Concise History

by Wilhelm Baum, Dietmar W. Winkler

The Church of the East is currently the only complete history in English of the East Syriac Church of the East. It covers the periods of the Sassanians, Arabs, Mongols, Ottomans, the 20th century, and informs about the Syriac, Iranian and Chinese literature of this unique and almost forgotten part of Christendom.

Genres: Church History

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Marti Martinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Move over Pope, there's a new (old) story in town: Mar. As interesting as any murdering and philandering Borgia, the history of the Church of the East is incredible. The problem -for me!- with the book is that in many paragraphs the time/date changes are just too much to follow.

However, the overall incidents detailed are fascinating and infuriating: the relationship to ancient China; the intrigues with the Catholic and Orthodox churches after the 2nd ecumenical council; the uncle-nephew hereditary leadership; and the general screwing over by the rest of the world since WW1.

It is still pretty damn depressing that "correct" Christology and "correct" liturgy still play a role in this religious division. A Marcionite can still feed the hungry. A Gnostic can still give water to a street person. A Nestorian can still visit a hospital or a prison. And why shouldn't a Baptist receive Church of the East Communion? Gimme a freaking break, "Christians"!

In scope: 4+. In execution: 2. That's why a 3. (Mayhaps I should read it again.....)

[Sergiu S. Dobre · Rating 4 out of 5]

O carte de referinta, extrem de bine documentata si beneficiind de o cantitate impresionanta de informatii extrem de utile oricarui cititor interesat de istoria senzationala a uneia dintre cele mai importante (si pe ne nedrept ignorate!) biserici!
Din pacate, tocmai aceasta"inflatie" de detalii, incluzand nume, date si informatii istorice semnificative, fac ca demersul laudabil al celor doi autori germani sa fie util doar celor cu adevarat pasionati de subiect!
Ca unul care sunt doar interesat si nu extrem de pasionat de subiectul in discutie, am gasit lectura destul de dificila, pe alocuri chiar imposibila daca nu ai la indemana o harta sau macar o schita genealogica a personajelor descrise!
O nota special pentru traducerea exceptionala realizata de Andrei Macar! Felicitari!
Recomand cu caldura volumul oricui doreste sa afle ceva cu adevarat credibil despre Biserica Asiriana a Rasaritului!

[Tamás Tóth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first and last chapters genious, but the second to fifth chapter are voke pamflettes... The second chapter only just mentionable about oriental authors and works and the Qjin, Sogd, Tibethian and Thomas Christian mentions readable...

[Arvind Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great survey of the Church of the East, from its apostolic origins to its mediations with power structures in ancient Persia and the medieval period. It was once the largest church, with presence in India, China, Syria, modern day Turkey, Arabia etc. The book discusses the decline of the Church in the 15th century, which was hastened by the Timurid conquests, political splits and later persecution by Turks, Kurds and Iraqis. It is an excellent source for anyone interested in eastern church history. My only criticism is that the authors pack too much information in each paragraph, making it difficult for the reader to follow. Despite the lack of flow, it is an excellent piece of scholarship.

[Dominic Foo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great but brief introduction to the history of the Assyrian Church of the East, otherwise often labelled, against their own protestations, the "Nestorians".

It is a little heavy on the facts, names and dates side and one can very easily get lost in the whirlwind of details. However the general point and shape of the historical events are often clear and it presents the salient points in a more or less smooth narrative manner.

I cannot recommend more earnestly enough this book as a vital introduction for a "Lost Christianity" which at the height of its glory, once constituted more than a third of all Christendom.