The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1, Revised and Updated

The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation

By: Justo L. González

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

Length: 18 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1, Justo L. González, author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought, presents a narrative history of Christianity from the early church to the dawn of the Protestant reformation. From Jesus' faithful apostles to the early reformist John Wycliffe, González skillfully traces core theological issues and developments within the various traditions of the church, including major events outside of Europe, such as the Spanish and Portuguese conquest of the New World.

This updated and expanded edition incorporates recent archaeological discoveries about the life of early Christian communities as well as important contemporary research revealing the significant role of women throughout the history of the church. With lively storytelling, The Story of Christianity provides a fascinating and panoramic history of the dramatic events, colorful characters, and revolutionary ideas that shaped the first 15 centuries of the church.

©2016 Justo L. González (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Throughly engaging

Would you consider the audio edition of The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1, Revised and Updated to be better than the print version?

I only know the Audible version. But it's thrillingly told and always engaging. Can't put it down. Every spare minute I have in the car is dedicated to working through this scholarly masterpiece.

Which scene was your favorite?

The early chapters covering the time between the death of the apostles through Constantine were magic

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The stories of the martyrs were captivating

Any additional comments?

I can give this book any higher a recommendation - it is history that doesn't trudge along - but moves almost like a theater piece.

Simply fantastic!

I had asked my friend who is attending seminary for a balanced text on the history of Christianity; this source does all that and so much more. Highlighting the progression of the Church through history and how its actions (both good and bad) impacted and were impacted by the culture it lived in.

While used as a textbox, this is not a difficult read. The narrator does an excellent job, good pace and just the right amount of tonal emphasis.

book pretty good, narrator bad

narrator mispronounces a lot
author is either a liberal Protestant or an agnostic, and is clearly prejudiced
Also, the last portion of the book is simply a history of the colonization of South America

Enlightening Historical Account of Christianity

This was the most enlightening historical account of Christianity! It is a wealth of information laid out in a mostly linear sequence of the many struggles and perils of Christianity from the time of Abraham to the 17th century. A MUST-READ FOR CHRISTIANS AND NON-CHRISTIANS ALIKE!!!

Good book overall.

Would you listen to The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1, Revised and Updated again? Why?

I would since I can't remember it all now.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1, Revised and Updated?

I enjoyed the first half of the book the most.

Have you listened to any of Michael Kramer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't believe so but I rarely pay attention to the narrator's name.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No but it was clear and well written.

Any additional comments?

Beware that the author's liberation theology comes out in places. It's not heavy handed but it's there.

Wow! Couldn't stop listening

Best concise history of Christianity I've experienced. As a Christian, I have many questions about the present state of my religion. This book has given me insight into the tapestry that is Christianity.

Very good resource for church history

This is my textbook for History of Christianity class at University. Its historical accounts of the Early Church are well organized and laid out with great care. He provides logical and a great flow of the events that shaped the world of Christians and great insight into the evidence based and objective presentation of history. I recommend the Vol 1 (I have not yet read Vol 2).

However, no historian is 100% objective and unbiased, or without weaknesses, this applies to Gonzales. The bias included undermining the gravity of persecution of Christians by Julian the Apostate. The weakness is all but ignoring the gravity and events leading to the simultaneous appointment of 3 Popes at the same time and the power struggle and lessons to the Church that ensued. Compared to other historians Gonzales is great and his weakness is minimal.

Narrator mis-pronunces theological terms

I would have given 5s across the board but the narrator's constant mispronunciation of numerous theological terms, place names, and proper names was very distracting from what is otherwise a very fine narrative by Gonzales.

Great broad history

Ties in well with broader history. Recently read both Rome books by Tom Holland as well as a history entitled through the eye of a Needle, a look at wealthy in the early church

so many gears, yet simplified

i really enjoyed! highly recommend. important to learn the history of what a Christian believes