Are you looking for one book that encapsulates the most important moments and people in Christian history? Look no farther than The Story of Christianity (2007 Hendrickson Publishers, 1984-85) by Justo L. Gonzalez. You can purchase this book in either one volume or two.
The Story of Christianity is just that – a story. Gonzales has written an engaging textbook that traces Christianity’s history from the early church to the present day. Yes, this book is long. It’s historical. Like all textbooks, it drags in certain places.
But Gonzales rarely delves into unnecessary details. His restraint keeps the book moving, but he wisely includes certain short stories or events that keep the narrative fresh.
The Story of Christianity is a seminary textbook that I have truly enjoyed. Gonzales does an admirable job of making church history interesting and accessible for seminary students. He is also fair. It must be difficult for a historian to keep his prejudices from influencing his work too much. But Gonzales does well, despite a few places where his theological outlook comes to the forefront. (Example? Gonzales seems to see the World Council of Churches of the 20th century as the pinnacle of Christian success.)
Gonzales succeeds in hitting all the highlights of Christian history – an impressive feat considering the outward geographical expansion of Christianity. Sometimes he tries to fit too much history into one chapter. The narrative becomes confusing at times, but this confusion is sometimes brought about by the confusion of the times (The story of the Reformation in the Low Countries, for example.)
Overall, The Story of Christianity is a fine piece of work. I suspect that like other good church history books, this one will be in print for many decades to come.
