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Loading... Church History In Plain Language (edition 1996)by Bruce L. Shelley
Work InformationChurch History In Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. A survey of the Christian church through the ages. This book is alright, if you don't set much store in things like historical accuracy, thoroughness, or nuanced treatment of subjects. Two stars because at least it was readable. I do not recommend as a serious or accurate source of information, but if all you have time for is a quick and dirty overview of the topic (and if you are already familiar enough with the history to know when it is misrepresented) then I suppose this would do the trick. This is the most readable of all the church history books i've examined. It is thorough and often gives unique insights. It is a relatively easy read as history books go and the accounts will hold your interest. I would recommend this book as a great starting place for a layman wanting to study church history and it has enough depth to still be of value for those conversant in church history. This book is part of my collection that really focuses in on Biblical Commentary more than anything else (including some well known authors in the theological world). All of these books haven't been read cover to cover, but I've spent a lot of time with them and they've been helpful in guiding me through difficult passages (or if I desire to dig deeper). I'm not against apologetics books. I'm not against Church history books written unashamedly from the Christian POV. I'm not even against shameless mixing of the two. I like books written in plain language. I like good books. This one is not. Neither is in in plain language. This is a bad book, the language is above all boring to death. What the book lacks in style, it has in abundance in bad history and pitiful apologetics. I can't understand how anyone could have read it, even on assignment. no reviews | add a review
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Over 330,000 copies sold. This is the story of the church for today's readers. Bruce Shelley's classic history of the church brings the story of global Christianity into the twenty-first century. Like a skilled screenwriter, Shelley begins each chapter with three elements: characters, setting, plot. Taking readers from the early centuries of the church up through the modern era he tells his readers a story of actual people, in a particular situation, taking action or being acted upon, provides a window into the circumstances and historical context, and from there develops the story of a major period or theme of Christian history. Covering recent events, this book also: Details the rapid growth of evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity in the southern hemisphere Addresses the decline in traditional mainline denominations Examines the influence of technology on the spread of the gospel Discusses how Christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world For this fifth edition, Marshall Shelley brought together a team of historians, historical theologians, and editors to revise and update this father's classic text. The new edition adds important stories of the development of Christianity in Asia, India, and Africa, both in the early church as well as in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It also highlights the stories of women and non-Europeans who significantly influenced the development of Christianity but whose contributions are often overlooked in previous overviews of church history. This concise book provides an easy-to-read guide to church history with intellectual substance. The new edition of Church History in Plain Language promises to set a new standard for readable church history. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)270Religions History, geographic treatment, biography of Christianity History of ChristianityLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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