Church History Reading List

An attempt to cover two thousand years in ten weeks is not only impossible but unreasonable. Add to that the responsibility of examining the Scriptures in context and then communicating cultural implications for today—only the Spirit can produce a fruitful result!

It is my prayer that we see the Spirit’s work in the world and the timeless relevance of what he has communicated to us in his Word. To assist you toward that end, several groupings of books are listed for those interested in learning more about the history of the church & Western civilization.  

Surveys and Brief Overview

Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity by Mark Noll
Church History: A Crash Course for the Curious by Christopher Catherwood
Exploring Church History by James Eckman

Thorough & Detailed

Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelley
A Summary of Christian History by Robert A. Baker
Pages from Church History: A Guided Tour of Christian Classics by Stephen Nichols
Public Faith: Constantine to the Medieval World, Ad 312-600 by Ivor Davidson
Reform and Conflict: Medieval World to the Wars of Religion, 1350-1648 by Rudolph Heinze
The Age of Reason: Wars of Religion to the French Revolution, 1570-1789 by Meic Pearse
How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer
The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark
Cities of God by Rodney Stark
God’s Battalions: The Case for the Crusades by Rodney Stark
The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark
For the Glory of God by Rodney Stark

Classical Education (series with short and simple chapter surveys)

Story of the World (Ancient Times) Susan Wise Bauer
Story of the World (Middle Ages) Susan Wise Bauer
Story of the World (Early Modern Times) Susan Wise Bauer
Story of the World (The Modern Times) Susan Wise Bauer

History Lives (historical fiction series with narrative short stories)

Peril & Peace: The Ancient Church by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
Monks & Mystics: The Medieval Church by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
Courage & Conviction: The Reformation Church by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
Hearts & Hands: The Awakening Church by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
Rescue & Redeem : The Modern Church by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

Fun for little ones

The Church History ABCs: Augustine & 25 Other Heroes of the Faith by Stephen J. Nichols