Customer Reviews

A History of Christian Thought: Volume 3: From the Protestant Reformation to the Twentieth Century (Revised Edition)

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I would disagree with the previous reviewer that this book does wrong when it devotes one chapter (entitled The Changing Philosophical Setting) to the philosophy that shaped 18th century theology. The fact is that Kant's philosophy very profoundly affected Christian THOUGHT both in his own time and to this very day.

The book is not entitled "A History of Christianity" but rather "A History of Christian Thought" I dare say that Kant's philosophy had a much greater influence on Christian thought than the Great Awakening did. Certainly the Great Awakening was very important to American Christianity and produced some very great preachers, but its impact on Christian thought was not so great, which is why I believe Gonzalez did not spend as much time on it.

Indeed, it is impossible to understand the liberal theology that came after Kant without an understanding of Kant himself, just like it is impossible to understand great literature without the historical setting. I would say that in a book of this size, 7 pages devoted to such an important philosopher/theologian as Kant is not at all overdone.

Overall, I find Gonzalez' account generally accurate and well-written. If you are looking for a good overview of how Christian thought changed from the Reformation to modern times, this is it. If you are looking for a general history of Christianity from the Reformation to modern times, look elsewhere (and for much larger book(s)).

I have not read the first two volumes. I did not find this a disadvantage in my understanding or enjoyment of this book. This book covers a wide scope of theology starting with the Reformation and Martin Luther. The reformation influenced all Christian thought but the author takes great pains to make sure it is not the thesis of the book or to compare all thoughts to Luther or the Roman Catholic Church. Ulrich Zwingli is discussed before Calvinism is brought up. Anabaptism and the Radical Reformation are even discussed before Calvin. The forty pages in the work devoted to Calvin and his contribution to Christian Theology is very well written; But so the chapter on The British Reformation, the chapter in the Catholic reformation, theology of Lutheran Orthodoxy (post Martin Luther) Reform Theology after Calvin. I enjoyed reading the authors thoughts on Locke, Hume and Kant. The author discussed the development of Liberal theology. This is all well and good except for the point that the author did not see fit to have any thoughts on those who oppose liberal theology. Which do seem to have major followers to this day? I would think are major contributors to Christian thought. I still highly recommend this book.

The book I ordered was priced right and was received in a few days in excellent condition.

Mr. Gonzalez' series is full of insightful research and reasonable conclusions concerning the various views of controversies that have arisen throughout the history of the church. The material contained in this volume is excellent in its synopsis of the events and thoughts of the early Reformation era. However, we must question whether this volume is sincerely a review of the history of "Christian" thought when so much attention is given to anti-revelatory philosophers such as Hume and Kant. They deserve mention for their impact on the minds of culture, to be sure, but they do not merit this amount of discussion in such a title as this. Similarly, one wonders how it is that the events of the North American Great Awakening are rewarded with a few pages, and the works and impact of neo-Orthodox exponents receive tens of pages of commentary. Admittedly, one can find evangelical histories in abundance which provide descriptions and discussions of 18th Century evangelism and its fruits, but the book IS entitled, "History of Christian Thought." Typically ecumenical in conclusion.