A Short History of the Early Church

by Harry R. Boer

For readers who want a brief yet reliable introduction to the history of the early church as well as for those who are looking for a quick review of the period, this volume furnishes a concise overview of the key events, figures, controversies, and councils essential for a proper understanding of the first seven centuries of the Christian church.

Harry R. Boer provides background on the world into which the church was born, surveys the life of the church from the ministry of Jesus until 600 A.D., examines the effects of persecution and heresy on the church, explains the role of several key church leaders, and focuses specifically on the church's ongoing struggle to formulate proper doctrines of the Trinity and of Christ. Each chapter is clearly outlined and concludes with several discussion questions that enhance the book's use as a study guide for church groups or as a text in courses on early church history.

Genres: Church History, History, Theology, Christian, Church

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Justin Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began this book slightly worried that such a short history of 700 years could be good, but Boer does an awesome job of being concise inn dealing with the highlights of not only the major figures and events, but the key doctrinal developments that split the Eastern and Western churches in the first 6 centuries of the Christian Era. The way that he ties the history of Rome with the development of doctrine truly does justice to the turbulence that the thinkers of the time were brought up and succeeded in. Highly recommend for any student of ecclesiastical history!

[Vincent Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emphasis here is on the word short. Harry Boer gives you three to four paragraphs on most of the major figures, controversies, and events in the first five hundred years of the early church. The end result is to give the reader a picture of how the Catholic church of the Middle Ages developed.

Some of the ancient heresies, like Gnosticism and Arianism, have had recent come backs. While Boer mentions these and gives some indication of how the church as a whole and church councils tried to deal with these false doctrines, there is not enough depth here to be able to feel comfortable addressing any of these sorts of things.

This is a good overview book. It is accurate, concise, and a beginning point for those who wish to read more on the subject. For me, it made me inspired to read more of Athanasius and Tertullian's writings (I have already read a fair amount of Augustine).

[Joshua Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for those wanting to just dip the toes into Christian history. This books focus mostly on the controversies of the early church and the power structures within it. If you are looking for how areas of the Roman Empire became Christian, you will not find it here. However, every single early heretical view that developed during this period is represented in this book in great detail.

It includes quotes, references, and great antidotes. It is a short read and not hard to understand. Please read if you come across a copy.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the weaknesses in my education (formal and personal) is a study of the first 500-600 years of Christianity (and you could even include the next 1000 years). Harry Boer provides an excellent short history of the first 500-600 years, and gives you a brief flyover of important events, people, and controversies. For what the book is attempting to do, it does an excellent job. It would be a good beginning point for someone wanting to expand their learning on this are.

[Jeffrey Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title implies, this is a very brief overview of the first 600 years of the church. In under just 200 pages it touches on the most important figures and events that shaped the theology, ecclesiology, and influence of the church. It does have a distinct protestant lean, not that I necessarily disagree but Boer does not hide his opinions on a few Catholic traditions.

[Dallas Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the early Christian church. Hard to believe the writer saw no irony in the manipulative way in which God and Christ were defined by mostly political councils seeking to control entire populations. How can we take Christianity seriously after this?

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little reference work. That is worthy of keeping nearby for a quick refresher of important events throughout church history.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative and short. It gives the major details required and as the title says, it is "short". The writing was clear and concise.

[Dionysi Krinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short just like the title says but quite detailed. This is a great read not only for those starting out but also for those who wish to refresh their knowledge.

[Ben House · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great survey of the key leaders and key issues confronting the Christian Church during the first several centuries of Christendom. This is a short and simple survey and for that reason, I think it will be useful for constructing lectures for my classes on the Early Church Era.

[Jeff Noble]

A Short History of the Early Church by Harry R. Boer (?)

[Carlos Montijo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out Peter Herz's review here: http://www.trinityfoundation.org/jour...

[Scotty Creel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, concise history. Great for the novice to get their feet wet and great for the advanced to have their minds refreshed.

[Mc Brain]

i want to read the book..

[mpsiple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book.