Church History

Post by **_ryanfrombryan** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 6:21 pm

A couple of questions:

1. It seems like as much discussion there is on church history, I would suggest a church history section of the forum. Has that been considered?

2. For someone like myself who is quite ignorant of church history, I would be curious if anyone has any good recommends on church history books. I have a church history book called "Christianity through the Centuries" but it is very much like a textbook and seems like a good reference, but nothing I am excited about ploughing through. I also have the complete works of the early church fathers on CD but, well, it's kind of tough to start on page one of that!

Thanks and I hope to be more active on the forum as my wife "Rae" (Rachel) has piqued my interest.

Peace in Jesus,

Ryan

Post by **_Paidion** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:15 pm

Greetings Ryan,

Like all history books, modern writings about church history are interpreted from a particular point of view. For example, some second and third century groups are listed as heretics by some and as orthodox by others.

You might wish to consider the first church history book ever written:

Church History written in the fourth century by Eusebius.

You can download it free by clicking on this link:

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2501.htm

Post by **_Dolphin** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:19 pm

I just picked up Eusebius' The Church History, as well. The version I have is "translated" by Paul L. Maier. More of a paraphrase, but for a dumb lug like me, it is a whole lot easier to read.

Post by **_anothersteve** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 9:38 pm

I just picked up Eusebius' The Church History, as well. The version I have is "translated" by Paul L. Maier. More of a paraphrase, but for a dumb lug like me, it is a whole lot easier to read.

As a fellow "dumb lug" I find the pictures and footnotes he (Paul Maier) included to be helpfull as well

Post by **_ryanfrombryan** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:52 pm

Excellent idea, I think that is a great place to start. I guess it can be difficult to find a church history book that is not slanted one way or the other, but hopefully with some you can at least read between the lines to some facts and solid sources. Much thanks!

Ryan