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Churches, Revolutions And Empires: 1789-1914
An Enlightening Exploration of The Christian Church During One of Its Most Turbulent Times. Features ‘Revolution’ might just be the best word to describe the period from 1789 to 1914 which was a time of momentous and often violent change in the western world. The formation of the modern world amidst a time of empire, upheaval, revolution, and war. Political, social, economic, and religious transformation took place, which dramatically affected society at large and in turn the years that followed. In this fascinating book, the author focuses on key people, themes, and events to show that while often society is influenced by the Church, the reverse is equally true, for good and bad. This is not a book that just looks at the Church in history but a gripping explanation of the intertwining of the two, with the huge challenges faced across the various emerging denominations, as they begin to be seen as a worldwide Christian church. On this truly exciting journey, here are a few of the many events you will explore. We look at life after the American War of Independence where different preachers took varying stances for it, against it and pacifistic. How the French Revolution toppled a monarchy and changed the relationship between church and state. How the European enlightenment accompanied the decline of the church along with emerging movements in Germany, the urbanisation of England after the industrial revolution and the rise in Christian socialism. The results of the American civil war and the moral initiatives which resulted in the abolition of slavery, while the struggles with racism and anti–Semitism continued. The landmark publication and acceptance of Charles Darwin’s ‘The Origin of Species’. Meanwhile there is an explosion in oversees missionary work with the likes of David Livingstone in Africa, Hudson Taylor in China, and William Carey in India. And finally, the setting of the scene for the arrival of World War One.
576 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
9 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Ian J. Shaw
18 books1 followerDr Ian J. Shaw served as a pastor, before undertaking a PhD in Church History at the University of Manchester. He then lectured in Church History at International Christian College, Glasgow, and is currently Director of the Langham Scholarship Programme in the UK, which supports the training of Christian leaders from the Developing World.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 13, 2016
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up
Best for Ages: 18 and up
My dear friend and fellow author, Elisabeth Allen recommended this book to me a while back. When I saw it was on sale on Kindle, I snapped up a copy. I am so glad that I did.
There are few history books I have enjoyed more. Many books that try to give an overall look at time in history either end up being dull and dry or get so caught up in trying to make it interesting they aren’t helpful. This book was a well-balanced, well-researched work.
What was the church’s role during 1775 through 1914? How did it influence the revolutions and major changes that took place during these years? This book goes through the major events and answers these questions, drawing from a huge number of first-hand and historical sources. The bibliography for this book was huge, listing hundreds of titles.
I am a skeptic when it comes to history books. I go in looking for mistakes and slants that keep all the facts from being shown. This book passed every test I have, and I will hold it up alongside books by David McCullough and Allen French. While I know that the author is a Christian, he was upfront about the negatives the church caused and debunked some of the stories Christians have spread and credit for events Christians have taken that are not true.
I will be re-reading this in the future, and I highly recommend this book for those who love history, want to have a better understanding of recent church history, and high school students.
Best for Ages: 18 and up
My dear friend and fellow author, Elisabeth Allen recommended this book to me a while back. When I saw it was on sale on Kindle, I snapped up a copy. I am so glad that I did.
There are few history books I have enjoyed more. Many books that try to give an overall look at time in history either end up being dull and dry or get so caught up in trying to make it interesting they aren’t helpful. This book was a well-balanced, well-researched work.
What was the church’s role during 1775 through 1914? How did it influence the revolutions and major changes that took place during these years? This book goes through the major events and answers these questions, drawing from a huge number of first-hand and historical sources. The bibliography for this book was huge, listing hundreds of titles.
I am a skeptic when it comes to history books. I go in looking for mistakes and slants that keep all the facts from being shown. This book passed every test I have, and I will hold it up alongside books by David McCullough and Allen French. While I know that the author is a Christian, he was upfront about the negatives the church caused and debunked some of the stories Christians have spread and credit for events Christians have taken that are not true.
I will be re-reading this in the future, and I highly recommend this book for those who love history, want to have a better understanding of recent church history, and high school students.
September 20, 2017
The best modern era church history I've found - has some great material, well written and well researched.
August 12, 2013
This is a unique kind of history book that is concerned primarily with the role of the church and Christians within society and its impact upon world evangelism during the 19th century.
Shaw begins the book with the American Revolution and its meaning for freedom and the advancement of the gospel. It is a prelude to the French Revolution, which was the opening salvo of the modern age. This takes up the second chapter.
Once the two revolutions are complete, Shaw begins with the core theme of the book--namely the work of Christians in the world. He begins with the Industrial Revolution in England.
He then shows how the gospel went forth, out of Europe, into the nations through a "Revolution in Protestant Overseas Mission." With the 19th century as his focus, Shaw finds slavery at the forefront of nearly all matters. The fifth chapter is "Moral Revolutionaries: The Abolition of the Slave Trade and Slavery."
Having dealt primarily thus far, with America, England, and France, Shaw takes us to Germany where the Hegel and Schleiermacher are beginning to undermine historical Christian orthodoxy and bringing humanist philosophical and historical criticism to bear upon the Bible.
These humanistic theologies begin to take root in Europe and America and bring liberalism into the church leading to a host of ills, including the legitimacy of Darwinism and the Social Gospel
He also looks at the Civil War in America and the battle over slavery. He's unreservedly hard on the American South, as he should be, and levels some criticism to the North, though inadequately. He shows how they were complicit in the slave trade, but doesn't go far enough in critiquing their embrace of transcendentalism and the humanistic arguments behind Yankee abolitionism.
One of the more interesting chapters is "Christianity and Emerging National Identities." He looks at Christendom and studies their religious beliefs and expressions. This is the only chapter that covers Russia and the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is unfortunate.
The book finishes with a focus on missions again, now in the age of Imperialism and finally the "Dawn of the World Church." I've not seen books that look at world history with an emphasis on missions, evangelism, and Christian statesmen and their clash with civil government in this way.
It is a very interesting read, full of interesting facts. I had no idea that women were ordained as early as 1853, for example. This is the kind of book that should be read particularly by missionaries, but also by pastors seeking to understand the church and how we got to where we are. Highly recommended.
Shaw begins the book with the American Revolution and its meaning for freedom and the advancement of the gospel. It is a prelude to the French Revolution, which was the opening salvo of the modern age. This takes up the second chapter.
Once the two revolutions are complete, Shaw begins with the core theme of the book--namely the work of Christians in the world. He begins with the Industrial Revolution in England.
He then shows how the gospel went forth, out of Europe, into the nations through a "Revolution in Protestant Overseas Mission." With the 19th century as his focus, Shaw finds slavery at the forefront of nearly all matters. The fifth chapter is "Moral Revolutionaries: The Abolition of the Slave Trade and Slavery."
Having dealt primarily thus far, with America, England, and France, Shaw takes us to Germany where the Hegel and Schleiermacher are beginning to undermine historical Christian orthodoxy and bringing humanist philosophical and historical criticism to bear upon the Bible.
These humanistic theologies begin to take root in Europe and America and bring liberalism into the church leading to a host of ills, including the legitimacy of Darwinism and the Social Gospel
He also looks at the Civil War in America and the battle over slavery. He's unreservedly hard on the American South, as he should be, and levels some criticism to the North, though inadequately. He shows how they were complicit in the slave trade, but doesn't go far enough in critiquing their embrace of transcendentalism and the humanistic arguments behind Yankee abolitionism.
One of the more interesting chapters is "Christianity and Emerging National Identities." He looks at Christendom and studies their religious beliefs and expressions. This is the only chapter that covers Russia and the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is unfortunate.
The book finishes with a focus on missions again, now in the age of Imperialism and finally the "Dawn of the World Church." I've not seen books that look at world history with an emphasis on missions, evangelism, and Christian statesmen and their clash with civil government in this way.
It is a very interesting read, full of interesting facts. I had no idea that women were ordained as early as 1853, for example. This is the kind of book that should be read particularly by missionaries, but also by pastors seeking to understand the church and how we got to where we are. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2012
I have always loved Church history. The first time I read about Martin Luther hiding nuns in a barrel to sneak them out of their convent, I was hooked. Many think of History as boring, especially Church History, but it doesn't have to be. Shaw proves it with this book.
Most of the books I have read on Church history have focused on the time of the Reformation and Puritans. Seeing that this book was set between the late 1700s and early 1900s, I felt that it would fill in some blanks in my understanding of Church History.
It did just that.
Packed full of facts, it is a good overview of the period. Because of it's density, it is a little daunting. Being a medium to large work, it is not bed-time reading. That said, it was still a great book.
Moving from historical characters like Wesley, Edwards, Wilberforce, Carey, Finney, and Moody, this book keeps you moving on to the next chapter to see who else is included. So many times I have heard or read about great men and women of God but had no idea where they fit in the historical context. Shaw, with this overview, places each person in context along with their peers, setting up a time-line with words. For instance, coming from a Baptist background, I have heard about Lottie Moon but had no idea where she fit into history. She is include in this book.
Shaw spends very little time on each person (if he did the book would have to 10 times it's current size) but he spends just enough time to give you the setting, then moves on.
I have read books about many of these men, but an overview like this puts it all into prospective. Much of it is focused on missionary movements. It also includes the many changes in Church and government during this period.
One of the best sections deals with the subject of slavery. This subject is seldom touched on from a prospective of Church History. Many Christians helped pave the way for the abolition of slavery, but there were also many that were pro-slavery. This is both a proud time and an embarrassing time for the Church. How could those who proclaimed to love God and love his fellow man be so wrong? Shaw gives details of the Christians who fought for and against the practice.
Toward the end, he shows how the industrial age changed many lives for good and bad. There is also good section where he moves through countries around the world and show what influence the church had.
This book is not for everyone, but I highly recommend it for those who are interested in history. It is not light reading, but it is good reading.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided free by Christian Focus and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review
Most of the books I have read on Church history have focused on the time of the Reformation and Puritans. Seeing that this book was set between the late 1700s and early 1900s, I felt that it would fill in some blanks in my understanding of Church History.
It did just that.
Packed full of facts, it is a good overview of the period. Because of it's density, it is a little daunting. Being a medium to large work, it is not bed-time reading. That said, it was still a great book.
Moving from historical characters like Wesley, Edwards, Wilberforce, Carey, Finney, and Moody, this book keeps you moving on to the next chapter to see who else is included. So many times I have heard or read about great men and women of God but had no idea where they fit in the historical context. Shaw, with this overview, places each person in context along with their peers, setting up a time-line with words. For instance, coming from a Baptist background, I have heard about Lottie Moon but had no idea where she fit into history. She is include in this book.
Shaw spends very little time on each person (if he did the book would have to 10 times it's current size) but he spends just enough time to give you the setting, then moves on.
I have read books about many of these men, but an overview like this puts it all into prospective. Much of it is focused on missionary movements. It also includes the many changes in Church and government during this period.
One of the best sections deals with the subject of slavery. This subject is seldom touched on from a prospective of Church History. Many Christians helped pave the way for the abolition of slavery, but there were also many that were pro-slavery. This is both a proud time and an embarrassing time for the Church. How could those who proclaimed to love God and love his fellow man be so wrong? Shaw gives details of the Christians who fought for and against the practice.
Toward the end, he shows how the industrial age changed many lives for good and bad. There is also good section where he moves through countries around the world and show what influence the church had.
This book is not for everyone, but I highly recommend it for those who are interested in history. It is not light reading, but it is good reading.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided free by Christian Focus and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review
October 20, 2012
The period stretching from 1789-1914 was a time when the church wrestled with some cataclysmic shifts in society. The American revolution forever tied the idea to freedom to our understanding of the gospel. In France, their revolution undermined the sociocultural status of the church and her institutions. Industrialization in Britain paved the way for a new kind of society which favored (for the first time) the individual, human rights. And the gospel spread among the nations, although sometimes in ways which were influenced by western imperialism (and sometimes challenged it).
Ian Shaw has written an interesting look at the history of this period. He discusses in-depth each of these trends, but also addresses the challenges to the Christian message posed by slavery, new theologies (particularly from Germany), Darwinism and the ways in which the emerging scientific worldview challenged the authority of Scripture, the challenge of new social and political realities. Many of the trends which Shaw discusses here still shape our shared Christian understanding in the West. He does a masterful job of bringing together historical research in a way that is engaging and informative. He draws on a range of resources (names like Noll, Gustaud, Walls, Stout Bebbington, etc. pepper the notes and bibliographies). Each chapter ends with suggested reading for those who would like to delve deeper into the topics.
While this covers about 125 years of history, Shaw presents a global perspective. It is not focused on one nation or topic, but ranges from mission, politics, Christianity in new nation states, theological and moral challenges, philosophies and social institutions (i.e. slavery, feminism, colonialism). Such a ‘birds-eye-view’ is helpful for seeing the larger societal trends, though readers with a particular interest may want to follow Shaw’s suggested readings to delve deeper into particular topics for themselves
I confess that I am a history lover and so am predisposed to love this book (which I do). But this is a significant era for us to understand as the institutions which have come into being since the American Revolution, have shaped our world and our theological discourse. Shaw is judicious in his historical judgments and writes in an accessible way. Thus I would recommend this book to any thoughtful Christian who would like to understand how to engage the culture we live in. And of course theological students would find this a helpful resource for research.
Thank you to Christian Focus Publishing and Cross Focused Reviews for a copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Ian Shaw has written an interesting look at the history of this period. He discusses in-depth each of these trends, but also addresses the challenges to the Christian message posed by slavery, new theologies (particularly from Germany), Darwinism and the ways in which the emerging scientific worldview challenged the authority of Scripture, the challenge of new social and political realities. Many of the trends which Shaw discusses here still shape our shared Christian understanding in the West. He does a masterful job of bringing together historical research in a way that is engaging and informative. He draws on a range of resources (names like Noll, Gustaud, Walls, Stout Bebbington, etc. pepper the notes and bibliographies). Each chapter ends with suggested reading for those who would like to delve deeper into the topics.
While this covers about 125 years of history, Shaw presents a global perspective. It is not focused on one nation or topic, but ranges from mission, politics, Christianity in new nation states, theological and moral challenges, philosophies and social institutions (i.e. slavery, feminism, colonialism). Such a ‘birds-eye-view’ is helpful for seeing the larger societal trends, though readers with a particular interest may want to follow Shaw’s suggested readings to delve deeper into particular topics for themselves
I confess that I am a history lover and so am predisposed to love this book (which I do). But this is a significant era for us to understand as the institutions which have come into being since the American Revolution, have shaped our world and our theological discourse. Shaw is judicious in his historical judgments and writes in an accessible way. Thus I would recommend this book to any thoughtful Christian who would like to understand how to engage the culture we live in. And of course theological students would find this a helpful resource for research.
Thank you to Christian Focus Publishing and Cross Focused Reviews for a copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews