Bibliography - History of Christianity; Church History

See the various handbooks of church history, especially those of Gieseler, Neander, and Döllinger; Dean Milman's History of Christianity and History of Latin Christianity; Döllinger's Heidenthum und Judenthum; Ritschl's Entstehung der Alt-Katholischen Kirche; Rothe's Anfäng. d. Christl. Kirche. (T. M. L.)





Read the rest of this article:
Christianity - Table of Contents



The above article was written by Rev. Thomas M. Lindsay, D.D., Principal and formerly Professor of Divinity and Church History, United Free Church, Glasgow; translated Ueberweg's System of Logic; author of The Reformation, and of commentaries on Acts of the Apostles and St Luke's Gospel.



Current Books on Church History

Church History in Plain Language (Updated 2nd edition)

by Bruce L Shelley

"It's about time that someone wrote church history that tells about people, not just about "eras" and "ages." Church History in Plain Language taps the roots of our Christian family tree. It combines authoritative research with a captivating style to bring our heritage home to us."


The History of the Church, from Christ to Constantine

by Eusebius

"This book is one of the foundational works of Christian history. It was the first extensive, systematic attempt to present Christian history up till the author's time (4th century). In the centuries following the work of Eusebius, many other authors attempted Histories, including Sulpitius Severus, Hermias Sozomen, Socrates Scholasticus, Theodoret, Evagrius Scholasticus, John of Ephesus, Gennadius of Marseilles, Isidore of Seville, Bede the Venerable, and others (just to list the major attempts through the 7th century). But none of these authors--and some would argue that none since--achieved what Eusebius did in his Ecclesiastical History. In fact, many didn't even try, and simply picked up the history of the Christian Church at the point where Eusebius had left off." -- Justin


Church History 101

by William M Ramsay

William Ramsay presents the story of the growth and development of the Christian church from the New Testament era to the present day. The book, which gives special attention to the experiences of Presbyterians in America, highlights key events and profiles prominent individuals who had an impact on the church’s life. This wonderful look at the history that led Presbyterians to America serves as a valuable introduction for new member classes, adult study groups, and all those eager to learn more about church history.

William M. Ramsay is a retired Presbyterian minister who taught for many years at Bethel College in McKenzie, Tennessee. He is the author of several books published by Westminster John Knox Press, including "The Westminster Guide to the Books of the Bible" and "Second Corinthians."