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Over 330,000 copies sold. This is the story of the church for today’s listeners.
Bruce Shelley’s classic history of the church brings the story of global Christianity into the 21st century. Like a skilled screenwriter, Shelley begins each chapter with three elements: characters, setting, plot. Taking you from the early centuries of the church up through the modern era he tells a story of actual people, in a particular situation, taking action or being acted upon, provides a window into the circumstances and historical context, and from there develops the story of a major period or theme of Christian history. Covering recent events, this book also:
Details the rapid growth of evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity in the southern hemisphereAddresses the decline in traditional mainline denominationsExamines the influence of technology on the spread of the gospelDiscusses how Christianity intersects with other religions in countries all over the world
For this fifth edition, Marshall Shelley brought together a team of historians, historical theologians, and editors to revise and update this father’s classic text. The new edition adds important stories of the development of Christianity in Asia, India, and Africa, both in the early church as well as in the twentieth and 21st centuries. It also highlights the stories of women and non-Europeans who significantly influenced the development of Christianity but whose contributions are often overlooked in previous overviews of church history.
This concise book provides an approachable guide to church history with intellectual substance. The new edition of Church History in Plain Language promises to set a new standard for accessible church history.
Maps, timelines, suggested reading, and end notes are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.
Customers say
Customers find this book a great way to learn about church history. They appreciate the depth of insight and explanations about Christian history. The content is described as interesting, enlightening, and thought-provoking. Many readers consider it worth the price and an upgrade from previous editions. However, opinions differ on the length, with some finding the chapters short and easy to reference, while others find them long and tiring.
