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

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.

Profound

Justo Gonzalez, has give us a profound acount to awake interest in more quality story.

Informative and Enjoyable Read!

Gonzalez presents a very thorough but still enjoyable survey of the history of Christianity. It does not read like a textbook but more like a story that one is captivated by. He does a great job of grouping concepts together while still staying mostly in chronological order.

An essential reference

This book provides a thorough yet amenable overview of the origins and subsequent growth of Christianity throughout the world. Scholarly yet also appealing to the reader as a whole work, to be read and understood by any layman. I wholeheartedly recommend it

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.

Exceptional!

A grand narrative of God's faithfulness through His church. This is a comprehensive and fair account of church history that informs, humbles, and may stimulate proper repentance and a commitment to Holy Scripture. Jesus promised He would build His church...and He has and continues.

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!!!

A great primer

This is one of three Church history primers that I would recommend. Presented well and written in a language anyone can understand and be edified by, layman and scholar alike.

Best history book

This book was so easy to listen to, super engaging, and wonderful storytelling. Learned much and enjoyed the time doing so.

Amazing!

This book was a true eye-opener. History came alive and for the first time ever I have an understanding of not only biblical history but world history as well. It is absolutely worth the read or listen. Very much looking forward to part two.

so many gears, yet simplified

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