Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. That maxim may not carry the weight of Scripture, but history bears it out. We do well to remain anchored in the long history of the church. Here are book recommendations on church history. You may also wish to view my biography recommendations.
Top Recommendation
Though I have not reviewed it in detail, my top recommendation for church history is Nick Needham’s tremendous series 2000 Years of Christ’s Power. It has currently reached its fifth volume and surveys from the 1st century to the 18th century. It is thorough but easy to read and Needham is willing to make the theological distinctions that make such a difference when attempting to understand the history of the Christian church. It requires effort to read the whole thing, but the effort will be well rewarded.
Church History Surveys
- Church History 101 by Sinclair Ferguson, Joel Beeke, and Michael Haykin. This is a brief volume that offers just a taste of church history.
- Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelley
- Introduction to the History of Christianity by Tim Dowley
- My book Epic is a stylized look at church history, told through historical objects. There is an accompanying DVD.
The Reformation
- The Unquenchable Flame by Michael Reeves
- The Reformation by Stephen Nichols
The Puritans
- Meet the Puritans by Joel Beeke & Randall Pederson
Early Church
- For Us and For Our Salvation by Stephen Nichols
Other
- Evangelicalism Divided by Iain Murray
- A Scottish Christian Heritage by Iain Murray
