Christianity Through the Centuries
by Earle E. Cairns
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Book Summary Information
Author: Earle E. CairnsEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1996-12-01
ISBN: 0310208122
Number of pages: 560
Publisher: Zondervan
Book Reviews of Christianity Through the Centuries
Book Review: Clarity yes! Accuracy...depth..?
Summary: 3 Stars
I felt this book had a clear approach, and was concise in scope and delivery...to those points the work stands as an admirable contribution and clearly is important in terms of advancing modern notions of what really is a history of Christianity supposed to present. That being said, with all due respect I feel that this book does not significantly contribute in its intended mode of providing an accurate and unbiased history of Christianity (albeit an extremely difficult task that the author himself admits is not accomplishable with complete neutrality). Cairns does claim that his text is carefully selected and founded in impartiality (18) as necessitated by its genre. It is here that I feel he clearly misses the mark.
I am as conservative in my theology as you will find, and although I am relatively new to the scholarly/academic arena this book began leaving a foul bias after-taste in my mouth from the earliest chapters. I was so very discouraged to discover that balanced history was so easily and rapidly replaced by agenda promotion. I am a charismatic by association, but do not adhere to denominational constrictions. I love my RC brethren, I love my seeking humanist friends who have not quite yet fully experienced the terrestrial and spiritual treasures of a life in full intellectual submission to the authoritative Spirit of Holy Scripture; I myself am only beginning to plumb the depths of a life in full submission to God by the power of his Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ and his living Word.
Cairns summary of the meaning of Christ in Ch. 2 was especially troubling (57), talk about leaving out the good stuff...heaven forbid he should include the words love or forgiveness when talking about the meaning of Jesus in a "text book". Without adequate space to properly discuss points of theological distinction it seems irresponsible in the least (deceptive and misleading if I were to be destructive with my criticism) to posit denominational ideologies so frequently camouflaged by the shroud of historical objectivity.
This is especially dangerous for those seeking an introductory text. As others have commented before me, an effective argument in favor of evangelical considerations would acknowledge and address criticisms of the broader movement (eighth grade English...thank you Ms. Tinder). It is fascinating how easily these authors justify their distortions; perhaps they have not read their own material. It seems if there truly was a hidden agenda, Cairns would have more cleverly masked his deep bias.
Summary of Christianity Through the Centuries
The third edition of Christianity Through the Centuries brings the reader up-to-date by discussing events and developments in the church into the 1990s. This edition has been redesigned with new typography and greatly improved graphics to increase clarity, accessibility, and usefulness. - New chapters examine recent trends and developments (expanding the last section from 2 chapters to 5) - New photos. Over 100 photos in all -- more than twice the number in the previous edition - Single-column format for greater readability and a contemporary look - Improved maps (21) and charts (39) Building on the features that have made Christianity Through the Centuries an indispensable text, the author not only explains the development of doctrines, movements, and institutions, but also gives attention to 'the impact of Christianity on its times and to the mark of the times on Christianity.'Church History Books
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