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.

Profound

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

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.

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.

so many gears, yet simplified

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

Eye opening listen

I must admit that I have learned far more than I thought I might before starting this book. Why only 4 stars and not 5? The became difficult to follow at times repeating some names and periods of time. Honestly not sure what could be done to make it any easier to follow, nevertheless it made it more difficult for me. This is a great source for learning about the history of the Christian church, the good, the really bad and downright FOOLISH and ungodly. I would certainly recommend for anyone who thirst for knowledge. To God be the glory and thanks be to Christ.

VERY INFORMATIVE!!!!

So much unbiased truth within this book! You will definitely rethink your faith and what it should represent. Heading to volume 2!

Eye-opening!

I can't believe I've been a Christian my whole life and didn't know most of what I read in this book. Definitely recommend!

Thorough and Discouraging

The narrator was clear and easy to listen to. The history was thorough but sometimes skipped around, making the chronology not always easy to follow. I realize to be thorough though, that's unavoidable. I don't know if it was just the (Methodist?) bias of the author that weighted this or not, but the majority of the book seemed to emphasize the negative history of Christianity so it was a pretty discouraging listen. It'll be interesting to get to volume 2 to see if that trend continues.