Customer Reviews

Baker Atlas of Christian History, The

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I enjoyed this atlas, though for different reasons from other atlases. Yes, it covers the basic Bible timeframe, but it goes beyond the Bible to encompass the entire realm of Christian history. It shows the early Christian church all the way up to modern times. The text does a good job of supporting the maps. It also has the obligatory photographs and some artistic renderings of various church-related components such as a medieval monastary or three dimensional drawings of topography.

But since Christianity is not the only force at work in the world, it does provide maps of other influences as well. Islam and European barbarian invasion routes are also shown. Any type of historical change-agent is given a map to help explain its impact and results. The maps in the atlas are well drawn and have all the necessary arrows to illustrate what the map is trying to say.

All in all this is a very good atlas and I recommend it for anyone interested in either the Bible or early history of the church.

This a very attractive and informative atlas, the maps are very well done. However, in attempting to explain the geological structure of Palestine the author begins a paragraph "millions of years ago..." Which is to be expected in a secular or mainstream atlas, but here in a Christian text we have the accuracy and historicity of the Genesis account of creation being questioned.

Also the atlas has adopted C.E. and B.C.E. dating methods.

These things as well as references to Islam as "tolerant Islam" or to "the embracing nature of Islam" are enough to prompt me to warn conservative Christians.. enjoy the maps but beware the commentary!

I have been able to use this book in most of my classes of theology. Very informative.