History of Medieval Christianity

by Jeffrey Burton Russell

This volume, a general history of the Church in the Middle Ages, pays close attention to the spiritual, intellectual, and institutional aspects of medieval Christianity. The author's central theme is the tension between the two forces within the Church - the spirit of order and the spirit of prophecy. The spirit of order attempts to reform man and his institutions; the spirit of prophecy attempts to transform them into the world of God. Mr. Russell suggests that this tension created a balance within the Church that kept it from forgetting the nature of basic religious experience while continuing to remain sensitive to the needs of society. No study of medieval history would be complete without a consideration of the role of the Church in medieval life; students using this book will find it eminently suited to this purpose.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 1968

About the author

Jeffrey Burton Russell was an American historian of medieval Europe and religious studies scholar.

Reviews

[Circle of Hope Pastors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffrey Russell is the master of medieval Christianity. This little history book traces two common themes in Christian church building that are often at odds: prophecy and order. He shows how this works out in the medieval church and we are all edified as a result. -- Rod White