Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction

by J.B. Stump, Chad Meister

The story of Christian thought is essential to understanding Christian faith today and the last two millennia of world history. This fresh and lively introduction explores the central ideas, persons, events, and movements that gave rise to Christian thought, from early beginnings to its present forms. By highlighting the important but often neglected role of women and the influence of non-Christian ideas and movements, this book provides a broader context for understanding the history of Christian ideas and their role in shaping our world. This work chronicles the impressive developments of Christian thinking which arose from these contexts and have transcended the ages.

Christian Thought:


provides an overview of the context of Christianity's origin, including discussion of the influence of Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans in the ancient world and the founding figures of Jesus and Paul explores the major events and figures of the history of Christian thought, while drawing attention to significant voices which have often been suppressed analyses the impact on Christian thought of widely discussed events such as The Great Schism, the Scientific Revolution, and Modernism surveys contemporary trends such as fundamentalism, feminism, and postmodernism.
Complete with illustrations, timelines and maps, this is an ideal resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the development of Christian thought and its influence over the centuries.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

552 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2010

Reviews

[Levi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

Didn't read every chapter so don't take my word as gospel. Suspiciously simple to read. Reminded me of being in high school with the introductory per-chapter reading 'goals' and corresponding end-of-chapter summaries. Still, presented information clearly and accessibly.

[Molly Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent primer for an overview of Christian history and thought. It does not offer the deepest dive, but the overview is helpful, especially for an introductory theology course. The reader is able to walk through the ages of Christian thought, make connections, and see the overall picture. While Meister and Stump attempt to communicate clearly and use helpful quotes by certain thinkers, there are some instances in which their explanations are clunky or more complicated than necessary.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as a textbook for an Intro to Christianity course and does the trick. It is, however, quite dry and encyclopedic. It also leaves the reader with the sense that Christianity evolved from the teachings of Jesus and culminated with Protestantism and Vatican II. It is up to the instructor to explain that the "other" forms of Christianity that were left by the wayside are mostly still active, and have their own histories -- this is especially important with the Eastern Orthodox Church since this textbook gives the impression that the Eastern Church stopped developing with the Great Schism of 1054. In other words, the book is a good foundation, but ought to be supplemented for a more lively and dynamic understanding of the tradition.

[Isaac Goodspeed Overton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for an introduction to Christian history class.

I found a lot of it helpful and insightful. For the most part the text seemed unbiased, although my main criticism would be that the theology seemed to prioritize western traditions and theology and didn’t spend much time at all discussing how eastern theology developed and grew after the great schism.

I also wish that there was more emphasis placed of female theologians, often the women were left to a footnote while their male counterparts had entire chapters. There are some cases where this was merely because the men actually had greater influence on the church’s history, but sometimes it felt that they just ignored the many writings and works of women in favor of discussing men.

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introductory text, broad enough in covering the entire scope of Christian history, which is (for the most part) theologically fair until the last two chapters, in which it derails and opinions abound without qualification or acknowledgment. There is also frequent misunderstanding of Catholic thought and minimal effort put into Orthodox thought, both historical and current, but honestly you can't have your cake and eat it too, so such mistakes are to be expected in a 500+ page overview of Christian thought.

[Jai Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise and interesting!

I highly recommend this book as a starting point for anyone learning about church history or trying to fill in gaps. The chapters are short, but chock full of information. I very much appreciated the direct, reader friendly text! Unlike many history books, this one was exceptionally clear and engaging.

[Dane Radigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this overview. I am no historian and do not know what it left out or did not explain well enough, but for my understanding it was sufficient. Of different figures and movements, it taught me a great deal of new information and I think that is why I enjoyed it so much. I simply did not know much of what was written.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tis a decent intro. Nothing spectacular.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ought to be required reading for all in Christian ministry, especially those who teach on a weekly basis (i.e. small groups, Sunday School). Written in a very accessible style, Christian Thought provides a solid review of the progression of Christian thought and theology. A benefit of its format is that each short chapter focuses on one theme or person so the book will be a ready resource for pastors and teachers for years to follow.

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a course on the History of Christian thought. It is a good primer. I really would have liked to spend more time on certain figures, but the nature of the course did not lend itself to it.