Robert F. Rea

I provided the following review on Amazon:

This small book attempts to answer an important question about a very big topic, church history. It is not a church history book itself, but one that can serve as a valuable embarking point prior to a serious study of church history.

The author writes from the perspective of a “Bible-focused Christian,” an inclusive term composed of evangelicals, mainstream Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox Catholics who “hold the Bible dear and study it in order to know God and God's truth.” Throughout, “Bible-focused” is used, and the author makes it clear that the “ideal reader” of the book would be one who is “Bible-focused.” (p. 17)

There are three major parts to the book:

Part One: How We Understand the Tradition is composed of three chapters which discuss what is tradition, how we have understood tradition historically, and how tradition is understood today.

Part Two: Expanding Circles of Inquiry includes four chapters which discuss Christian history and identity, Christian identity across the centuries, sharing accountability with historic Christians, and why historic Christians broaden our perspectives.

Part Three: Tradition Serving the Church is composed of two chapters which discuss the concept of “rightly dividing the word of truth” and practical application of tradition and ministry. Practical suggestions are made at the close of each chapter.

As one reads along, the author successfully keeps the discussion related to the book's theme as stated in the title, “Why Church History Matters.” The book is well-researched and documented. There are 268 “end notes.”

An excellent bibliography, “Recommended Resources for Ministry,” is categorized by History of Christianity, Preaching and Teaching, Systematic Theology, Christian Spirituality, Expanding Mission, Ethics, Compassion, Unity, and Cultural Engagement. I appreciate that the author denotes resources that “are more easily accessible works for introductory students.”

A helpful index is included.

This book could very well serve as a textbook in an undergraduate or possibly even seminary class that is a prerequisite for subsequent studies in church history. It also could nicely serve as a resource for persons studying individually or in small groups who are interested in learning more of church history and “Why Church History Matters.”… (más)