The Reformation and Counter-Reformation represented the greatest upheaval in Western society since the collapse of the Roman Empire a millennium before. The consequences of those shattering events are still felt today—from the stark divisions between (and within) Catholic and Protestant countries to the Protestant ideology that governs America, the world’s only remaining superpower.In this masterful history, Diarmaid MacCulloch conveys the drama, complexity, and continuing relevance of these events. He offers vivid portraits of the most significant individuals—Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Loyola, Henry VIII, and a number of popes—but also conveys why their ideas were so powerful and how the Reformation affected everyday lives. The result is a landmark book that will be the standard work on the Reformation for years to come. The narrative verve of The Reformation as well as its provocative analysis of American culture’s debt to the period will ensure the book’s wide appeal among history readers. Read more

The history of the Christian church is a fascinating story.Since the ascension of Jesus and the birth of the church at Pentecost, the followers of Christ have experienced persecution and martyrdom, established orthodoxy and orthopraxy, endured internal division and social upheaval, and sought to proclaim the good news "to the end of the earth." How can we possibly begin to grasp the complexity of the church's story?In this brief volume, historian Jennifer Woodruff Tait provides a primer using seven sentences to introduce readers to the sweeping scope of church history.Among the sentences:"No one whatsoever should be denied the opportunity to give his heart to the observance of the Christian religion." —The Edict of Milan (AD 313)"Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one substance from the Father." —The Nicene Creed (325)"When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, 'Repent,' he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance." —Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (1517)"The church is confronted today, as in no preceding generation, with a literally worldwide opportunity to make Christ known." —The Edinburgh Conference (1910)Pick up and read. The story continues.The accessible primers in the Introductions in Seven Sentences collection act as brief introductions to an academic field, with simple organization: seven key sentences that give readers a birds-eye view of an entire discipline. Read more

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'Allows us to understand the profound, and often profoundly beneficial, impact of Christianity' Anthony Seldon'Superb ... Lively and erudite' The Telegraph'Tremendous ... The arguments are truly profound' The SpectatorChristianity in England is in decline. Congregations are dwindling and ever fewer young people believe. Should we merely shrug our shoulders and accept this as inevitable and even healthy, or is something important being lost?Bijan Omrani argues that this decline is the most momentous change to occur in English history. He shows how a religion that has been part of our national story for over 1700 years was instrumental in the creation and development of the English nation, its codes of law and morality, and its structures of government and kingship. He demonstrates its profound cultural impact, in areas ranging from architecture and literature to our very landscape and the structure of our everyday life and language. Its influence, he contends, has been enormous, largely benign, and shouldn't be lightly abandoned.Ending with a rousing call to retain Christianity, rightly understood, as a way of dealing with both the eternal questions of the human condition, as well as the malaises of modernity, this is an erudite and tender tribute to our Christian history and heritage. Read more

The 16th century's Book of Concord consists of the foundational documents of the Lutheran Church. Compiled after Martin Luther's death, this collection was intended to be, and indeed became, the doctrinal ground on which the Lutheran church is built to this day. Read more

Now in its fourth edition, this bestselling textbook (over 125,000 copies sold) isolates key events that provide a framework for understanding the history of Christianity. The book presents Christianity as a worldwide phenomenon rather than just a Western experience.This popular textbook is organized around 14 key moments in church history, providing contemporary Christians with a fuller understanding of God as he has revealed his purpose through the centuries. The new edition includes a new preface, updates throughout the book, revised "further readings" for each chapter, new sidebar content, and study questions. It also more thoroughly highlights the importance of women in Christian history and the impact of world Christianity.Turning Points is well suited to introductory courses on the history of Christianity as well as study groups in churches. Additional resources for instructors are available through Textbook eSources. Read more

"Geneva Bible 1560 Edition with Apocrypha" is a unique edition that contains the complete canonical and apocryphal scriptures with 80 books.The Geneva Bible is historically significant, being one of the first English Bibles made accessible to the public, and precedes the King James Version (KJV) by over 50 years. This 1560 edition includes the complete Apocrypha, providing a fuller understanding of the biblical canon as it was understood during the Protestant Reformation. This Bible played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation and was famously used by the Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower. Recognized for its introductions at the beginning of each book, annotations, and contributions to Protestant theology, it has influenced countless historical figures such as William Shakespeare and John Knox.For those seeking genuine comprehension and in-depth spiritual resources, this edition of the Geneva Bible is a true gem, offering an unparalleled journey to the roots of early Protestantism. Carefully crafted, it provides an outstanding biblical heritage that continues to inspire modern readers.Why Choose This Edition?Rare Collection: Discover the canonical sacred texts of the Old and New Testaments along with the complete hidden Apocrypha from the 1560 edition. This includes essential books like Tobit, Prayer of Manasses, Sirach, and Judith.Elegant and Functional Design: This edition's design blends beauty with practicality, ensuring the text is clear and easy to read. In a large print format, this Bible is not only a valuable spiritual guide but also a visually appealing collector's item.Precise Writing: Carefully revised to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors, ensuring that each word, phrase, and subtlety of these writings is captured with precision, clarity, and elegance. The translation maintains the original languages' integrity and resonates deeply with modern readers.A Connection to the Past: Owning this Bible is like holding a piece of history in your hands, connecting you directly to 16th-century believers.Cultural and Spiritual Richness: Connect with the profound doctrines and historical narratives preserved in one of the most influential early Protestant traditions.Grab Your Copy Today!Are you ready to explore the depths of these sacred texts? Click 'Buy Now' to secure your copy today and connect with the spiritual insights that have guided millions. Embrace the legacy of the Geneva Bible and enrich your understanding of your faith! Read more

This is the history of the John Wesley Global Methodist Church. This church is unusual in modern church history as it grew from a split with a single church, almost faded away, and is now once again vibrant and growing thanks to a split with a major denomination. God's spirit is strong in this church and the congregation seeks the strong traditional teachings of Christ. Read more

“A marvelous work of scholarship and storytelling" (Wall Street Journal​), offering a global history of the world’s best-known and most influential book For Christians, the Bible is a book inspired by God. Its eternal words are transmitted across the world by fallible human hands. Following Jesus’s departing instruction to go out into the world, the Bible has been a book in motion from its very beginnings, and every community it has encountered has read, heard, and seen the Bible through its own language and culture.     In The Bible, Bruce Gordon tells the astounding story of the Bible’s journey around the globe and across more than two thousand years, showing how it has shaped and been shaped by changing beliefs and believers’ radically different needs. The Bible has been a tool for violence and oppression, and it has expressed hopes for liberation. God speaks with one voice, but the people who receive it are scattered and divided—found in desert monasteries and Chinese house churches, in Byzantine cathedrals and Guatemalan villages.    Breathtakingly global in scope, The Bible tells the story of this sacred book through the stories of its many and diverse human encounters, revealing not a static text but a living, dynamic cultural force. Read more

This landmark social history exploring politics, economy, and religion in nineteenth-century upstate New York is “one of the best” of its kind (Wilson Quarterly).Decades after its first publication, A Shopkeeper’s Millennium remains a landmark work—brilliant both as a new interpretation of the intimate connections among politics, economy, and religion during the Second Great Awakening, and as a surprising portrait of a rapidly growing frontier city.The religious revival that transformed America in the 1820s, making it the most militantly Protestant nation on earth and spawning reform movements dedicated to temperance and to the abolition of slavery, had an especially powerful effect in Rochester, New York. Paul E. Johnson explores the reasons for the revival’s spectacular success there, suggesting important links between its moral accounting and the city’s new industrial world. In a new preface for this edition, he reassesses his evidence and his conclusions in this “path-breaking work” (Journal of Social History). Read more

The most profound characteristic of Western Europe in the Middle Ages was its cultural and religious unity, a unity secured by a common alignment with the Pope in Rome, and a common language - Latin - for worship and scholarship. The Reformation shattered that unity, and the consequences are still with us today. In All Things Made New, Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of the New York Times bestseller Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, examines not only the Reformation's impact across Europe, but also the Catholic Counter-Reformation and the special evolution of religion in England, revealing how one of the most turbulent, bloody, and transformational events in Western history has shaped modern society.The Reformation may have launched a social revolution, MacCulloch argues, but it was not caused by social and economic forces, or even by a secular idea like nationalism; it sprang from a big idea about death, salvation, and the afterlife. This idea - that salvation was entirely in God's hands and there was nothing humans could do to alter his decision - ended the Catholic Church's monopoly in Europe and altered the trajectory of the entire future of the West.By turns passionate, funny, meditative, and subversive, All Things Made New takes readers onto fascinating new ground, exploring the original conflicts of the Reformation and cutting through prejudices that continue to distort popular conceptions of a religious divide still with us after five centuries. This monumental work, from one of the most distinguished scholars of Christianity writing today, explores the ways in which historians have told the tale of the Reformation, why their interpretations have changed so dramatically over time, and ultimately, how the contested legacy of this revolution continues to impact the world today. Read more

Their revolutionary marriage was arguably one of the most scandalous and intriguing in history. Yet five centuries later, we still know little about Martin and Katharina Luther's life as husband and wife. Until now. Against all odds, the unlikely union worked, over time blossoming into the most tender of love stories. This unique biography tells the riveting story of two extraordinary people and their extraordinary relationship, offering refreshing insights into Christian history and illuminating the Luthers' profound impact on the institution of marriage, the effects of which still reverberate today. By the time they turn the last page, readers will have a deeper understanding of Luther as a husband and father and will come to love and admire Katharina, a woman who, in spite of her pivotal role, has been largely forgotten by history.Together, this legendary couple experienced joy and grief, triumph and travail. This book brings their private lives and their love story into the spotlight and offers powerful insights into our own twenty-first-century understanding of marriage. Read more

J. N. Andrews’ History of the Sabbath is one of the most able defences of the seventh-day Sabbath established by God Himself as the rest-day at creation week. However, God’s memorial has been attacked by Romanists as well as protestants. Providentially enough, history has clearly recorded the subtle yet tireless moves of men who endeavored to establish Sunday as the sacred day, putting down God’s seventh-day Sabbath.In this book, you will find convincing evidence to settle this long-drawn controversy between Sabbath and Sunday. You will be amazed to see the kinds of arguments and ways in which Sunday defenders tried to make it sacred.A thorough examination is essential for everyone to take a stand on this question. The evidence is here. May God grant you a willing heart, in order that you may stand by His side and His people, regardless of temporal consequences, for it is written, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Read more

They became friends when William spoke at Catherine's church. They instantly fell in love and were engaged. Throughout their three-year engagement, William continued his missionary travels. When William was abroad, Catherine often sent him encouraging letters to let him know she was thinking of him. The couple was hitched on June 16, 1855.William and Catherine embarked on an epic trip to carry out God's mandate to share the gospel with the world. Unlike William, who was a natural public speaker, Catherine was a timid woman with no experience speaking at gatherings.She struggled for a while to find her voice, but she was driven by the idea that women ought to be given the same opportunity to express themselves as men. She grew into a confident public speaker who hosted cottage meetings for new believers and was noted for her gentle demeanor but potent appeal.They were both parents to their growing family of eight children, all of whom had a solid Christian education and a strong desire to serve God. Two of their children, Bramwell and Evangeline, would go on to become generals in the Salvation Army.Catherine spoke to the wealthy while William spoke to the disadvantaged in order to gain support for their expensive mission. Later, she took over the management of her own fundraising activities.It wasn't until 1878 that the Christian Mission became the Salvation Army. In a system fashioned after the military, William was appointed the first General, with his fellow ministers acting as troops in God's army dedicated to rescuing the people. Under William's direction, his ministers were granted the title of "officers."Catherine gained the nickname "The Army Mother" and remained a fervent supporter of The Salvation Army's philosophies both social issues and spiritual matters.Due to its concentration on the downtrodden and poor, The Salvation Army began to spread outside of Britain. During William's reign, the Army would be established in 58 different countries and territories.In response to Catherine and William's tireless efforts to share the gospel with everyone, The Salvation Army was established. But on October 4, 1890, Catherine finally succumbed to her sickness after a lengthy battle. According to her son Bramwell, she died "like a warrior laying down her sword to receive her crown."William continued for many more years, traveling the world to monitor the growth of his Army. On August 20, 1912, William Booth was elevated to glory in Salvation Army lingo.Even after their deaths, William and Catherine continue to serve as inspirations for The Salvation Army and the most potent examples of how God elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.By reading about the lives of these two generals of God, you will be thrust into a world of greater faith and find every possibility to rise to the level of achieving great things for God. Read more

"The Ninety-Five Theses and Other Writings" by Martin Luther presents the pivotal documents that ignited the Protestant Reformation. This collection includes Luther's famous Theses, which challenged the practices of the Catholic Church and called for religious reform. Accompanied by other significant works, these writings showcase Luther's profound theological insights and enduring impact on Christianity. This compilation offers readers a comprehensive understanding of Luther's revolutionary ideas and their historical significance. Read more

Fire blazes from heaven, and a stone altar erupts in flame. So begins a spiritual awakening, the kindling of a revival fire still burning today. Beginning with Elijah and God's tremendous one-day revival of Israel, Wesley Duewel tells stories of revivals spanning the globe from America to China to Africa, all brought by obedience and heartfelt prayer. He illustrates how God has used revival fire through the centuries to revive the church and reveal the glorious presence of the Holy Spirit. Read more

Christianity in Plain English: Answers to 500+ FAQs about Jesus, Bible Translations, God, Creation, Theology, Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Heaven, Angels, and MoreThis book provides simplified, plain-English answers to 500+ frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Christianity. You can expect short, concise, direct answers, adopting the "consensus" or "middle position" on difficult subjects.Many people are curious about Christianity and want direct answers to basic questions. Others are dedicated Christians but want to learn more, perhaps to share their Christian faith better with friends and family. No matter your motivation for reading it, this book will deliver clear answers to common and challenging questions.Table of ContentsFirst ThingsIntroduction: What to ExpectThe Basic TermsA Christian Point of ViewChristian WritingsOfficial Christian Beliefs: The Nicene CreedHeresy, You Say?The BibleBible TranslationsThe Ten CommandmentsThe Greatest Command: Love God, Love Your Fellow ManTreasured Books about ChristianityChristian VirtuesSeven Christian VirtuesChristian Love, Also Called CharityChristian ForgivenessSeven Deadly SinsThe Problem of Sin and EvilChristian PrayersThe Lord’s PrayerThe Jesus PrayerChristian HistoryDeath and ResurrectionCrucifixion and the CrossThe Apostles or DisciplesThe First Christian MissionariesDenominations: The Different Christian ChurchesChristianity, Rome, and Roman CatholicsThe Eastern Orthodox ChurchProtestant ReformersChristian Doctrines and ConceptsCreation and the CreatorCreatures, Beasts, Men, Angels, DemonsSoulThe TrinityChristian Sacraments like Baptism and Holy CommunionThe New You: Becoming More ChristlikeThe Way, the Truth, and the LifeMercy Fulfilling Justice; Grace Surpassing JudgmentJudas versus Peter: Despair versus RepentanceBefore and After Sin: Jesus Christ versus SatanParable of the Prodigal SonJesus Christ Invented Servant LeadershipBe Like a ChildWhat You Can Do, Right Now! Read more

“Let every preacher read carefully over the Life of David Brainerd.” John Wesley David Brainerd has for centuries been referred to as the model missionary. Through his short twenty-nine years on earth he focused solely upon doing one thing: to preach the gospel to those who had not yet heard its words. Born in Haddam, Connecticut, in 1718, he lost his father at the age of nine and his mother at the age of fourteen. At the age of twenty-one he had his road to Damascus moment and recorded that he had an experience of “unspeakable glory” that prompted him a “hearty desire to exalt [God], to set him on the throne and to ‘seek first his Kingdom.’" Although already suffering with the first signs of the tuberculosis, that would claim his life seven years later, he immersed himself in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and on 1st April 1743 began his life working as a missionary to Native Americans. The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, that was compiled and edited by his good friend the revivalist preacher Jonathan Edwards, provides fascinating insight into Brainerd’s life preaching in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Through the course of his short life he preached to Housatonic Indians, Delaware Indians and in less than a year of being in Crossweeksung in New Jersey he had built up a church community of one hundred and thirty Native Americans. He suffered endless trials and tribulations, not least continually spluttering blood from his ever-worsening tuberculosis, yet through all this he remained motivated. In his diary he stated his driving force behind his missionary activities on July 24th 1744: “All my desire was the conversion of the heathen, and all my hope was in God. God does not suffer me to please or comfort myself with hopes of seeing friends, returning to my dear acquaintance, and enjoying worldly comforts.” The Life and Diary of David Brainerd is essential reading for anyone interested in the missionary activities that occurred among Native Americans in the colonial period as well as those who wish to read about the life of a man who pushed through endless difficulties with the aid of the gospel. David Brainerd was an American missionary to the Native Americans who had a particularly fruitful ministry among the Delaware Indians of New Jersey. The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, is a biography of David Brainerd by evangelical theologian Jonathan Edwards, first published in 1749 under the title "An Account of the Life of the Late Rev. David Brainerd". Brainerd passed away in 1747 and Jonathan Edwards passed away in 1758. Read more

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