Hitting the Holy Road: A Guided Tour Of Christian History From The Early Church To The Reformation

by Stuart Coulton

Join Stuart Coulton on a journey through some of the regions and cities which have played a pivotal role in Christian history down through the ages. Along the way it provides you with an overview of the history of the church―warts and all―together with reflections on the lessons we may learn from the past. This lively and accessible survey covers the first fifteen centuries of Christian history, centered on Europe, and includes numerous photographs, timelines, and text boxes.

Genres: Christian, Theology, History

279 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Stuart worked as a lawyer prior to ordination as a minister of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. After more than 15 years in pastoral ministry he joined SMBC full time in 2002. Stuart was appointed as Principal of the College in 2012. Stuart lectures in Church History, Spiritual Formation for Professional Ministries and Introduction to Degree Theology. Stuart is the author of Hitting the Holy Road (IVP,2011). He and his wife Pauline have three adult children & one grandson.

Reviews

[Benjamin Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems this is really great foundation if you want to begin learning about church history. My interest in so many areas of church history has grown!

Reading this also helped me to contextualize so many things i already knew, but couldn’t quite place in their proper historical place.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite Church History book so far. A survey of Church History until the Reformation using a travel guide style, with each chapter introduced from a key historical location. Great approach -- the descriptions were interesting & relevant. Conversational style with good photos and some quirky stories in text boxes, all of which made reading easy. Selective, topical and succinct, but covered most of the key events. Some of the devotional reflections seemed a little forced. Written from an evangelical protestant viewpoint (especially noticeable in the reflections) without any particular attempt to be strictly objective, yet balanced and generous none the less. Well referenced with a good bibliography.

[Josie Seto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Textbook for class. But great and engaging overview of church history

[Christine Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you scared of church history? This book is for you. An easy to read overview to show you why studying history is relevant.

[Tim Goldsmith]

What a wonderful book.
If you're looking for an in depth scholarly work which is poking into every corner of church history, then this book is not for you. If, however you want a well written, readable book that takes you, with broad brush strokes, through the first 1500 years of the church, then Coulton's book is perfect.

It was a wonderful way for me to reconnect with stuff I looked at when at college, but would be equally accessible to the first-time reader, looking to dip their toe into the waters...