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Early Church History to A.D. 313
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
2 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1909
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July 16, 2017
Wow. Not for the faint-hearted.
Having said that, I was surprised by how much easier this book was to read than I thought it would be.
This first volume of church history focuses mainly on Roman times.
It's amazing - & chilling - to read of all Christians suffered back then. Gwatkin makes the point - has society become any less depraved? What are the chances of falling back into persecution again?
I liked some of his points - such as when he starts the book by saying the history of the church of God goes back before creation & will continue into eternity. Because the church is not man-made religion. It's God & His people.
He makes interesting interpretations. Gwatkin seems to suggest that persecution could have been the result of Christian fanatics provoking the government & describes Christianity at one point as an 'aggressive' faith. If this is the case, hasn't our faith changed? Think of Tim Farron, for example, forced to step down as Labour leader because of our aggressive "tolerant" society. On the other hand, maybe we let the wrong type of people speak up about Christianity. I've cringed so many times when I've read of hateful people who claim to love Jesus yet celebrate when there is a shooting in a gay night club. May we never give society just cause to despise us. May we not hinder people from the gospel.
But I digress. Gwatkin does also admit that the majority of the time, persecution was the reaction of the world to the claims of Christ - an aroma of life to some & of death to others.
But these are just a few thoughts from a comprehensive piece of work. Would recommend for those interested in history & who have the patience to stick to this kind of book!
Having said that, I was surprised by how much easier this book was to read than I thought it would be.
This first volume of church history focuses mainly on Roman times.
It's amazing - & chilling - to read of all Christians suffered back then. Gwatkin makes the point - has society become any less depraved? What are the chances of falling back into persecution again?
I liked some of his points - such as when he starts the book by saying the history of the church of God goes back before creation & will continue into eternity. Because the church is not man-made religion. It's God & His people.
He makes interesting interpretations. Gwatkin seems to suggest that persecution could have been the result of Christian fanatics provoking the government & describes Christianity at one point as an 'aggressive' faith. If this is the case, hasn't our faith changed? Think of Tim Farron, for example, forced to step down as Labour leader because of our aggressive "tolerant" society. On the other hand, maybe we let the wrong type of people speak up about Christianity. I've cringed so many times when I've read of hateful people who claim to love Jesus yet celebrate when there is a shooting in a gay night club. May we never give society just cause to despise us. May we not hinder people from the gospel.
But I digress. Gwatkin does also admit that the majority of the time, persecution was the reaction of the world to the claims of Christ - an aroma of life to some & of death to others.
But these are just a few thoughts from a comprehensive piece of work. Would recommend for those interested in history & who have the patience to stick to this kind of book!
Displaying 1 of 1 review