Story of the Church: 4th edition

The Story of the Church is a classic survey of Christian church history, addressing why Christianity has spread globally and offering an evangelical perspective. This revised and updated edition is widely appreciated by readers of all generations.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 17 September 2020
\n Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press
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The Story of the Church is a comprehensive and accessible overview of the history of the Christian church, spanning from the first century to the twenty-first century. This epic narrative encompasses a spectrum of emotions, including soaring hopes and profound disappointments, as well as enduring persecution and unwavering loyalty. Widely regarded as a classic, The Story of the Church has been cherished by numerous generations of readers. It delves into the core question of why Christianity has achieved global dominance, offering a distinctly evangelical perspective. The book's well-organized structure highlights pivotal figures, significant locations, movements, and events. In this revised and updated edition, Allan Harman has made extensive revisions to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

The early Christian church faced numerous challenges and obstacles as it spread across the Roman Empire. Despite facing persecution and hostility from the Roman government, the church grew rapidly, with believers spreading the gospel message and establishing communities of faith. One of the key factors that contributed to the church's success was its emphasis on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the importance of personal faith and conversion.

The church also faced internal struggles and divisions, particularly between different branches of Christianity, such as Catholicism and Protestantism. These divisions were often driven by theological differences and political tensions, but they also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity and coherence within the church.

Throughout its history, the church has faced numerous challenges and crises, including the rise of Islam, the Crusades, and the Inquisition. However, the church has also demonstrated resilience and adaptability, adapting to changing circumstances and emerging as a stronger and more diverse community of faith.

In recent years, the church has faced new challenges, such as the rise of secularism, the challenges of globalization, and the impact of social media and technology on religious practices and beliefs. These challenges have prompted the church to reevaluate its mission and purpose, and to explore new ways of reaching out to people and sharing the gospel message.

One of the key themes of The Story of the Church is the role of the Holy Spirit in the growth and development of the church. The book emphasizes the importance of the Spirit's guidance and empowerment in the lives of believers, and how the Spirit has worked through the ages to bring about the spread of Christianity and the transformation of society.

Another important theme is the role of the church in promoting social justice and compassion. Throughout its history, the church has been a voice for the marginalized and oppressed, advocating for the rights of the poor and vulnerable and working to address social and economic inequality.

The Story of the Church is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Christian church. It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the church's development and growth, and offers insights into the key figures, movements, and events that have shaped its history. The book is also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the church, and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain a strong and vibrant community of faith.

In conclusion, The Story of the Church is a remarkable work that provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the history of the Christian church. It encompasses a spectrum of emotions, from soaring hopes to profound disappointments, and highlights the church's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The book offers valuable insights into the key themes and movements that have shaped the church's history, and serves as a testament to the enduring power of the gospel message and the faith of its followers.

\n Weight: 384g\n
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781789742060\n
Edition number: 4 ed\n