John McManners (1916–2006)

1948 The French Revolution and the Church, by John McManners (read 13 Oct 1985) This is a 1969 book and is an excellent, excellent study of its subject. In all the reading I've done on the French Revolution. one tends to forget the really frightful persecution which the Church underwent in the 1790's in France. The book is full of insight, e.g.,: "The Revolution had swept away the kings of France with their Gallican traditions and the Enlightened Despots who organized their cardinals to elect weaklings to the Chair of Peter; it had overturned the ecclesiastical princedoms of Germany, the exclusively noble episcopate of France, and the whole proud, vested, aristocratic interest that had battened on the Church; it had broken the claims of secular sovereigns and quasi-independent missionary orders to direct the work of Catholic missions overseas. Catholicism was to reknit its fibres, not along the old traditional patterns of the Erastian national churches, but with the Pope as its centre."… (más)

Spanning two thousand years of stirring religious, cultural and political events, this lavishly illustrated volume provides the most authoritative and accessible history of Christianity ever published for the general reader.
The impact of Christianity on world civilization is almost incalculable, and in exploring this rich heritage, nineteen leading scholars range from the earliest origins to the present day to examine virtually every aspect of the faith. They discuss the apostle Peter and Roman Emperor Constantine, describe the role of Charlemagne in the expansion of the religion, and assess medieval scholasticism and the influence of Thomas Aquinas. The profound changes that occurred during both the Reformation and the Enlightenment are fully treated in chapters that offer revealing portraits of such key figures as Erasmus, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, and Rousseau. Fully one-third of the book covers Christianity since 1800--with special studies of the faith as practised in Britain and Europe, North and South America, Africa, India, and the Far East--offering a compelling continuous narrative filled with insight into the enormously diverse Christian world. In the final chapters, the authors consider questions of contemporary Christian theology, conscience and belief, and explore new concepts of the Christian community.

Over 350 beautiful illustrations--including 32 full-colour plates--grace the text, ranging from mosaics, paintings and sculptures, to architecture and modern art. There are also ten maps, a chronology of important events, and an annotated guide to further reading.

Throughout, the book reflects the changing world in which Christians have found themselves and the many ways in which, individually and through the institutions of the church, they, in turn, have influenced history. Comprehensive, vividly narrated, and exquisitely produced, this magnificent book captures the richness and vitality of Christian thought and culture throughout the ages.

Editorial Reviews
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"Many beautiful colour plates! Well-written text by outstanding scholars. Wide-ranging and well-organized both chronologically and geographically."--Bruce B. Miller II, Biblical Institute for Leadership Development

"An excellent history with superb illustrations."--Fred Berthold, Jr., Dartmouth College

"Wonderful--what is needed. A strong work calling upon sight in the learning of Christian history."--Catherine A. Kapikian, Wesley Theological Seminary

"A refreshing addition to the field of Christian history because it is comprehensive and international. The ecumenical dimension is greatly appreciated."--Horace O. Russell, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"An impeccably illustrated volume with comprehensive essays on key aspects of the history of Christianity by international experts, this volume is welcome for students of Christian history or the history of religions. Especially helpful is that there are as many essays concerning 1800 and beyond as pre-1800."--Michael J. McNally, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary

About the Author
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John McManners is Emeritus Professor of Ecclesiastic History and Fellow and Chaplain of All Souls College, Oxford. An established authority in his field, he has written many popularly acclaimed books, including Death and the Enlightenment, which won Britain's Wolfson Literary Award for History and was chosen by The Times as one of the ten best non-fiction books of the year.… (más)