A History of Christianity [Paperback]

Owen Chadwick (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books (2005)
• ISBN-10: 0760773327
• ISBN-13: 978-0760773321
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #935,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating tale..., July 10, 2003

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A History of Christianity (Paperback)

Owen Chadwick was a professor of modern history at Cambridge from the 1960s to the 1980s. He has written extensively on issues in the history of Christianity, which include 'The Reformation' (now in its 20th edition -- a remarkable number!), 'The Victorian Church', 'The Popes and the European Revolution', as well as an authoritative biography of Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury.

In this volume, 'A History of Christianity', Chadwick has taken his extensive knowledge of the subject and distilled it into a book that is accessible, yet magisterial. Including all elements of religion, including art, music, philosophy, politics, architecture, faith and spirituality, Chadwick explores the breadth of Christianity from the early days of wandering disciples to the days of televangelists, and all in between.

--Chapter 1: Jew and Greek
This give a summary overview of the history of Judaism up to the time of Christ, to provide some basic context scripturally, sociologically, historically, etc. It also surveys the then-current non-Jewish religions and philosophies dominant in the Roman world. It traces the first few hundred years of the Christian movement, exploring issues such as house-church organisation, ritual and liturgy, early persecutions, early heresies, and the perceived need for and development of creeds and a canon of scripture (the New Testament).

--Chapter 2: The Christian Empire
This chapter begins with the close of the era of persecution and the rise of Constantine. From this point Christianity was a major state religion, which had profound impact upon the character of the church in philosophy and organisation. Issues explored include the beginnings of monasticism, the recognition of and celebration of saints, calendrical controversies, and the spread of Christianity beyond Roman borders to northern Europe, eastern and southern lands.

--Chapter 3: East Rome
This chapter examines some of the issues which began to separate what is now called Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the Western church. Issues examined include the role of the city and political dominance of Constantinople, eastern traditions and liturgical differences from the Western practice, mysticism and the effects of Islam on continuing Christian development as a politically-secondary religion.

--Chapter 4: Western Society in the Middle Ages
With the rise of Islam and the faltering of political power of the eastern Christian hierarchy, the bishop of Rome once again became a predominant authority in church matters politically. Issues covered include art and architecture in the west, the rise of the diocesan and parish systems, 'imitation of Christ' movements such as the Franciscans, the church's regulation of marriage, and the beginnings of Renaissance thinking.

--Chapter 5: The New World and Reform
After the crusades and the near universality of catholicism in the West for several centuries, various communities and leaders began to question the authority of the church in various ways. Issues covered include the reformative ideas of Lutherans, Calvinists, Anglicans, Anabaptists, Hutterites, Congregationalists, and many others. Also this is the era when the Bible first came to be translated in the common vernacular of the people. Music and philosophy also began to have greater impact on Christianity.

--Chapter 6: The Modern Age
From the French revolution forward, the world has seen unprecedented change in almost every area. Christianity has been no different. From seemingly minor issues as the rise of Christmas cards to the major events such as the fall of communism, this chapter explore global issues in Christianity, with an eye toward future events: gender barriers in the church; science and religion; moral issues; the church and the home.

This book is lavishly illustrated, well written, well indexed and organised, and a true treat to the reader. This presents a concise yet comprehensive overview of Christianity as a cohesive whole, and is worthy of a spot on the bookshelf (or, indeed, coffee table) of a scholar, a cleric, and the interested lay person.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars interesting and informative, BUT..., March 5, 2006

By 

T. Williams (Horsham, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A History of Christianity (Hardcover)

I do like this book as it presents a WEALTH of information on a large topic. However, I find the book to be poorly organized and somewhat biased.

I would not recommend this book as a "reference book". The "Table of Contents" is not helpful. Page numbers are given for "chapter titles", but they are not given for the numerous "subheadings". Also, some "subheadings" listed in the "Table of Contents" are not used in the actual text of the book. So, it can be hard to locate the information you want.

In the text of the book, the writer seems to skip from topic to topic. The book doesn't have a good flow, although it is still interesting to read and I am learning from it.

As pointed out by another reviewer, I see that the writer does show his bias and feels free to share his opinions as if they were fact. I also note an anti-Catholic bias. I would not recommend this book to a conservative Catholic, a non-discerning reader, or anyone else who wants "just the facts".

If you want an introduction to Christianity that is easy to read and offers plenty of pictures, then this isn't a bad place to start. However, I prefer "A Story of Christianity: A Celebration of 2,000 Years of Faith" by Matthew Price and Michael Collins. This later book is published by DK so it offers more pictures, maps, etc., and it does a better job with chronology, dates, etc.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chadwick, March 21, 2006

By 

J. Opperman (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A History of Christianity (Paperback)

It was a great book with lots of information. The illustrations were supurb and it was well written. The text was easy to understand and it would make a great "Coffee Table Book" as well as a great reference and an asset to any Christian's library...