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Exploring Church History
The Christian faith is rich and complex, spanning thousands of years and reaching into the lives of people all over the globe. When studying this grand faith, one should begin with the essentials, like Christianity’s historical roots and development, the distinctiveness of its worldview, and its response to tough cultural and ethical issues. In this volume, author James Eckman first walks readers through the defining moments, theological process, and institutional development of the church—from the day of Pentecost, through the Reformation and Enlightenment, and to the modern age. He then examines a variety of popular belief systems such as Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Roman Catholicism, and specific cults and then offers, in contrast, a compelling look at Christianity’s distinctives. Finally, Eckman presents the important difference between ethics and morals and suggests a modern-day ethical strategy that views hot-button issues like abortion, euthanasia, bioethics, war, capital punishment, and the environment through the lens of Scripture. With brief chapters and thought-provoking questions, this book is perfect for personal or group study. It provides an introductory understanding of the richness of the faith and the church for you or your small group.
107 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 31, 2025
I was a bit disappointed that the the section on Church history was shorter than anticipated- the book comprises three sub-divisions:
1. Church History
2. Major Worldviews
3. Christian ethics.
As an introduction to Church history, I found the first division really useful as a top-down view of the most crucial events (e.g. The Council of Nicea, Council of Trent) that shaped Church history, as well as the important topics the Church had to grapple with (e.g. the Trinity, justification by faith vs works).
The Worldview section was an interesting surprise; I only skimmed through the final division.
Read the first section if you want a springboard for further research into the doctrines & topics the Church has had to deal with over the ages. Overall, Eckman gives a balanced view of the various movements and influential figures described.
1. Church History
2. Major Worldviews
3. Christian ethics.
As an introduction to Church history, I found the first division really useful as a top-down view of the most crucial events (e.g. The Council of Nicea, Council of Trent) that shaped Church history, as well as the important topics the Church had to grapple with (e.g. the Trinity, justification by faith vs works).
The Worldview section was an interesting surprise; I only skimmed through the final division.
Read the first section if you want a springboard for further research into the doctrines & topics the Church has had to deal with over the ages. Overall, Eckman gives a balanced view of the various movements and influential figures described.
March 12, 2013
Great insight. Must read for every serious Christians covers the most important times of Christians history and provide great insight of how we inherited various Christian doctrines and practices. We can't appreciate what we have unless we know how much it took to get them. The studying Christian should have one copy for quick reference.
May 7, 2013
Great, quick, easy to read overview of Church history. The major thinkers, theological doctrines, and pendulum swings of the church and culture are all laid out well and in brief. There is a clear Reformed bias,
but it is communicated well.
but it is communicated well.
January 13, 2013
I am 3/4 through this book now and I am enjoying this guy's insight and writing.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews