Learn about the Medieval Church through the Preachers - a fascinating approach!
349899
Moving into the 3rd volume of Old's investigation into the Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, we delve into the Medieval period. Unlike the previous 2 volumes, this is a period of Church History that I have sadly neglected, and I must confess that my general opinion of the period has been negative. To my very pleasant surprise, the Author endeavours to find the positives as he explores a plethora of preachers, covering not only several centuries, but also different cultures and backgrounds that make up the Medieval period. However, the Author is not sugar-coating things, and has no problems pointing out problems. Rather, he endeavours to place the Preacher within his time period and culture, and then investigate what strengths can be found. I like that approach!

It continues to be a fascinating approach to explore Church History, through the Sermons and use of Scripture. I have been blessed to be exposed to many preachers that I never knew, as well as seeing some of the leading church men of this period as preachers for the first time. Whilst my education in the Medieval period still needs much more work, I thank the Author for the journey he took me on in this book.

This is a great way to learn more about the Medieval Church.
4669069
I had heard of this book, and it sounded interesting. I am now reading it, and it is terrifically interesting...describing such things as how monks in monasteries were required: to know how to read; to be totally silent while doing so (and developed hand signals to show whether they wanted to read a sacred, a secular or a Greek or Roman text); to allow (at the librarian's discretion) guests to read their books, scrolls, and codices, and so on. Poggio's search for ancient texts during the Renaissance led him to monasteries such as the one in Fulda in Germany, where he discovered texts preserved, but little read, since the early years C.E. Stephen Greenblatt, who is also a Shakespeare scholar, has presented Poggio's search in a very engaging style. Many bits of information, such as the libraries discovered at Herculaneum, preserved in part (much was incinerated by the volcanic eruption that also inundated the town), but providing proof that individuals also had reading rooms and libraries in their private homes. Wow! Greenblatt offers views into many parts of what is now ancient society.
395023
I had thought this book would be a good reference for helping me trace my ancestors from Britain, but I had not expected to enjoy reading it, as well. Stuart Raymond writes in such an interesting manor with such great information about the history of Parishes and their functions and division of labor that I found myself reading it for pleasure! Of course we know to look at Parish records for births, marriages, deaths, but I had no idea that for centuries tithes were compulsory and the church kept records for the local governing body, of which it was a major part. So the many records we can research are discussed in detail in this book and this knowledge helps immensely in knowing where and how to look. It is a very helpful and interesting book and so well researched and written. I highly recommend it, even if you are not interested in looking into your family records!
471469
Rick Joyner's books are all full of powerful revelation and anointed teaching because he has devoted himself to seeking, serving, and knowing the truth. Truth is Jesus Christ.  This book is a wonderful compilation of historic events regarding the church and how these time periods of the church's past are a reflection of her present and her future.  This is not a very deep exploration of church history but rather more like a an overview of some of the most powerful and shaking events that took place. If you flunked out of world history in school or just never cared before now to explore history at all, especially church history, this is not only a great eye opener pointing out key events and people for further study, it's also going to make you hungry to know more and to go deeper. You'll read about the persecutions of the apostles, the church itself, and the different events that all played a part in the course of the church from Antioch, to persecutions under Nero, to Constantine, the dark ages, and more. This book does not read like a dry discourse or time line but rather an eye opening plethora of hidden treasures, treasures that took years of study and research to dig up which we can now absorb in only a few hours.
The only beef I have with this book is that it seemed to take a few chapters too many to get into the heart of the matter. But it was well worth it for the spiritual truths and insights I am now gaining.
I am not even entirely finished with the book yet and already I think I will read this one a second time.
God bless!
1482178
In Changes in Worship Since the First Century you will find a very comprehensive chronological account beginning with the first century apostles and leading to our present day worship.  It is not the "worship" in terms of singing but in terms of the structure of the early church and its changes.  As you discover how Rome dominated the early church with the Catholic church emerging, it will be eye opening how those that denied this faith's beliefs were tortured and killed-often burned at the stake.  One individual, for example, was sentenced to execution for not going to mass, not making confession, and not believing the bread and wine was Jesus actual body and blood.

Author Kathryn Haddad recalls how God's laws became lost in church legalism, rituals, and policies and actually resulted in more division among one another.  She shares very candidly the following: "This is Satan's greatest weapon in the church.  If he can build a hedge of creeds and regulations around an organization, it can choke out the primary purpose of the church's existence, and in the process choke out the church."
She encourages us to break away from traditional denominational ism and instead seek to unite with nondenominational brothers and sisters, adhering to the Bible only as the blueprint.

Church leaders and ministers will find the detail informative as a reference source and teaching aid.  Individuals desiring to better understand church history will too find this a welcomed addition.  Haddad has spent many years studying Biblical truths and also teaches English over the Internet.  She has daily inspirational nuggets you can sign up for on her website along with her Facebook page.
2704525
As a pastor (from a fundamentalist and Neo-orthodox background) who tries to keep up with what is going on in theology, I found this a fascinating read.  Written from an evangelical point of view, it is a very sophisticated engagement with a wide range of theology, past and present.  Each chapter has excellent historical background to introduce present theological engagements, as a prelude to the authors' own development of the topic.  There is a stead critique of the failure of the Enlightment project and of foundationalisms, including evangelical foundationalisms regarded as inadequate in the post-modern context.  The discussion of epistemology was very interesting, especially Reformed epistemology.  (I have already ordered W. Jay Wood's Epistemology: Becoming Intellectually Virtuous; part of the value of the book to me is new leads to explore).  There is also much dialogue with Pannenberg, about whom Grenz has written a great deal.  The discussions of the Trinity and of the place of community are very well done.  The book is well written and has helped bring me to date on what I think will be an ongoing area of theological work, (more especially by evangelicals?)  It would be interesting to see these authors' evaluation of Milbank and Radical Orthodoxy.  However I can imagine that a lot of evangelicals are a bit alarmed as to where all this is going.
2720390
Wow! This one belongs on my favorites list. I fell in love with this book before I began reading; it's beautiful enough for the coffee table, and scholarly enough for the library.

Thankfully, the writing lives up to the presentation! Hill's work is enjoyable, frank and immensely informative, making for a hard book to put down. I'm reminded of another book I enjoyed: J.R. Porter's treatment of the historical Jesus[...]. Hill picks up where Porter left off, tracing the first four centuries of Christianity's roots, and how it survived persecution, internal strife, and pagan and imperial competition. Along the way, you'll meet the church fathers and the early monks, you'll relive the struggle to define the Trinity, and you'll get to know the emperors who left their mark upon Christianity, including, of course, the infamous Constantine. You'll meet the Donatists, the Arians, and more. And peppered throughout the book are pictures of ruins, artifacts, maps, and Christian artwork.

I can vouch for Hill's careful scholarship for the initial chapters, where he discusses first-century history, but I confess I'm no scholar of the next three hundred years, so I won't guarantee the book's historical accuracy; I can claim, however, that I learned far more about this period from this book than I have in past studies, and enjoyed the experience much more! Hill brings the characters and controversies alive. My favorite part of the book was digging inside the minds of the early apologists, such as Justin Martyr and Origen. It left me wanting more, and searching the internet for more books by Jonathan Hill.
4080320
When you think of the Reformation, do you tend to think of big guys and cunning kings, weedy thinkers and brave bible-smugglers, councils and colloquies, politicians and popes and pastors ? The movers and shakers of the 16th century ?

Well this fascinating little book will make you think again about what the reformation meant for people caught up in huge events and trying to be adequate for the times they lived in.

You'll discover Rene, a French princess married to an Italian duke from a ruling family. You might not feel that you get to know her very well, but you'll get an insight into her life and the struggles of the times she lived in. You'll discover her husband; he, too, walking a political tightrope. You'll read of pastors from noble families, trained at Geneva and sent to help noble households in living out the reformation. And you'll get an insight into Calvin, the letter-writing friend.

And you'll finish the book wondering how you would have fared in Rene's place, what advice you would have sent in Calvin's place, how you're faring in the struggles of our day - different, but no less real.

It's an apritif, an amuse-bouche, a taster - a short book that will open the taste-buds of your mind and leave you wanting and ready for more !
1686017
While there is no shortage of books on preaching and sermon preparation R. Scott Pace has provided a concise and valuable contribution on the task of preaching.

In three sections composed of eight chapters Pace provides a general overview of the what, why, and how of preaching. In the first section he explores the importance of textual preaching and the priority of allowing the form of Scripture to shape the form of the sermon. In the second section he addresses studying the text and forming the sermon outline. In the third and final section he addresses the importance and use of introductions, illustrations, and invitations.

This book would make a helpful refresher to experienced preachers and a helpful introductions to those starting out as preachers. As a preacher I know I must constantly be growing, learning, and improving on this area of ministry and this book has helped me to do just that. The two chapters that have helped me the most are the chapters on illustrations and invitations. If you're a preacher I would encourage you to get this book, if you're aspiring to pastoral ministry this book should definitely be added to your list of reading.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
261915
I was looking for a selection of books ranging from the very basic up through indepth coverage of the medieval reformation of the Catholic/Christian church.  I was VERY pleasantly surprised when I came across this little gem.  Though it is more on an introductory level, the book does an excellent job of covering vital points in history while making great (and successful) effort to include theology and soteriology (study of salvation).  Key players are also exposed, including the infamous Martin Luther, but also important Monarchs, gentry and other notable characters. For christian and non-christian knowledge seekers, this is an excellent introductory read.
3647910
I enjoy the different viewpoints each author brings to scripture. These help as resources for preaching especially if one is looking for a fresh approach to a passage of scripture that one may have preached on before. Recommend this to clergy who have preached through the 3 year cycle of scripture readings and want to avoid recycling
 a sermon. Keep your congregation on it's toes!
3394176
My primary interest in reading this book was to better understand and appreciate the evolution of Christian thought and belief in the early church.  On this score, Elaine Pagels definitely does not disappoint.

I found her choice of beginning this work with an intensely personal description of the spiritual journey she faced during her young son's fatal illness to be surprising at first, but through her book I came to understand why she introduced this work in such a way: all spiritual journeys are intensely personal.  The authors of the "Secret Gospel of Thomas", the Gospel of John, and the later Church Fathers who built upon these writings, all faced challenging times.  In seeking answers to the challenges they faced, they engaged in their own personal spiritual journeys, which resulted in their recording what they learned and believed in the texts that have been passed down to us.

Elaine Pagels engages us in the challenges and spiritual journeys of these early Christian writers, both known (mostly proponents of what became the roots of Christianity as we know it today); and unknown (mostly the authors of the Gnostic books found in the Nag Hammadi library, such as the Gospel of Thomas; and other works).

The Gnostic authors and their adherents found themselves marginalized if not actively persecuted as the well-organized and controlled universal Church took hold in the ancient world.  Gnosticism is an intensely personal form of faith, where one seeks to find Spiritual truth for oneself instead of unquestioningly adopting an external authority's view.

Dr. Pagels referees for us the centuries-long debate between early Christian Fathers and their Gnostic counterparts - helping us see how the debate between control of doctrine vs. freedom of exploration changed and grew over time.  She seeks to help us understand the complexities of the central question for us: What is truth, and what is lies? In making our spiritual journeys, how can we tell them apart?  How do we find that truth for ourselves without falling into error?

The roots of that debate reach far back into Jewish history: centuries before Jesus started teaching.  Therefore, Dr. Pagels knows she cannot answer the question.  Instead, she seeks to help us understand the issues and the context within which we, as Christians, make our own journeys in search of spiritual truth.

The great authors of Orthodoxy - Tertullian, Athanaeus and Irenaeus, among others, all saw that allowing too much freedom of exploration often led to spiritual error and excess.  On the other hand, they appreciated the importance of needing to explore one's own faith for oneself, and did not want to create a rigid and inflexible Christian faith that could not tolerate such journeys of faith.  They understood that a balance between the two extremes must be found.

Ultimately, and as Dr. Pagels says in her book, it is not right, or wise, to accept spiritual authority without question, or to seek to eliminate the rich spiritual diversity found throughout the Christian world.  Diversity brings strength and vitality, but too much diversity brings conflict and destruction.  There is no simple answer to the question: we must each find an answer for ourselves.

Dr. Pagels' work is easy to read, well researched, well footnoted, and thought provoking.  While I highly recommend this book, I would have to agree with what others here have said: that the title is misleading.  This book focuses more on the evolution of orthodox Christianity than it does on the Gnostic tradition, or on the Gospel of Thomas itself.  I give it a four star recommendation.
131371
A fascinating review of the early Church Fathers impact on the emerging Church.
2745276
I continue to thoroughly enjoy my journey through the Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, with now the 5th Volume completed and about to start the 6th Volume.

This time the Author brings up to the early years of the 19th Century, covering the Great Awakening in America, 18th Century Pietism, Franciscan Preaching in Spanish California, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Romanian and Russian Orthodox Church, and finishing with Scottish Preaching and Evangelical Anglicanism. So quite a decent volume!

For areas like the Romanian Orthodox and Russian Orthodox, the Author goes back in time that parallels previous volumes but these places were omitted, so that they would have fuller coverage here - which I think was a wise approach. Similar the extensive coverage of Scotland goes back to Knox so that a better overview is given.

I was most pleasantly surprise by the coverage of the Franciscan preaching in Spanish California. Whilst I had a little knowledge (though probably new more about this period from Zorro than anything else) of this period, I discovered how inadequate that knowledge was. This section alone made the volume worthwhile for me.

As with previous volumes, I would recommend this series to all preachers and to all who which to travel through Church History through a different method.
1962101
This is the essential primer for persons interested in the early Christian church.  Irvin and Sunquist combine their knowledge and craftsmanship as authors to present a very readable but detailed description of the events and persons that shaped the early church and led to the modern setting.  Personalities are revealed and well-known names of history come to life again as their impact on events are exposed.  The reader can be amused at how pety differences between two persons became divisive events or church doctrine.  The authors deftly move between different perspectives to help the reader understand how people of the day saw the events and how history affects modern relationships between the Catholic Church and Protestant denominations.  This is a must read for the first year seminary student and an excellent resource for the person in the pew.
4459578
This is a great way to learn church history through fascinating biographical sketches.  It's a children's book, and I have read it aloud to my six- and eight-year-olds, but I enjoyed it for my own reading first.  It will make you appreciate your religious freedom in a new way, and inspire you to live a courageous Christian life.
812192
This book covers the entire Crusader period, from the beginning of the first Crusade to the end of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.  The author tells a fascinating story in clear, readable prose -- and in only about 200  pages.  He sketches the main characters with fascinating details and  doesn't skimp on the action.  His enthusiasm for his subject matter comes  through clearly, and at times the book reads almost like a novel.  Highly  recommended.