Very interesting use of extensive quotes from primary sources at the end of each chapter, accessible language, proper evaluation of political & personal motives in church controversies. Could use some discussion of assumptions questioned by Rodney Stark in his The triumph of Christianity. ( )

Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable and readable surveys of the early church that a family could possibly read! Dr. Needham's goal for this series is to strike the much-needed balance between accessibility for the non-specialist, and scholarly integrity. In this first volume, he accomplishes this task admirably, and both the interested layman, and more advanced student can profit from this text. Dr. Needham's treatment of the many complex theological debates that shaped the early church is both clear and concise, and his exposition of the worship and practice of the early church is both fascinating and refreshing. Each chapter ends with a section of carefully selected primary source materials, which provide the reader some exposure to the writings of the figures discussed in the preceding chapter. Includes a variety of simple maps and a dozen illustrations.,This book was born out of the author's deep conviction that today's Christians can benefit enormously from learning what God has done in the past. The mighty act of Christ did not come to a halt soon after the events recorded in the book of Acts. In every century since the first, the Almighty has been at work and believers can trace his footsteps by studying the way that Christians of a previous generation faced the challenges that confronted them.It is intended that this will the first in a series of four volumes, which will cover the history of the church from the earliest days up till modern times. Pastors and preachers will undoubtedly gain much from this series, and those who already have an interest in church history will find the four books useful additions to their library. Nevertheless, the series is written in a style that will appeal to the non-specialist and any modern Christian will find it challenging and stimulating to be introduced to men and women who loved and served the same Saviour that he loves and serves. This volume deals with the age of the Early Church fathers and includes, together with many more, the stories of martyrs such as Blandina and Polycarp, theologians like Athanasius and Augustine of Hippo, and preachers like John Chrysostom.

(1) Third Council of Constantinople concerning Christ's wills (354)
(2) The man who has lost his spiritual feeling, by John Climacus (361) ( )