church history

Collects a range of primary sources written by different authors in Europe who were part of the Reformation, such as Calvin, Luther, and writings from different edicts and gatherings of the church. Explores what life was like living during those times, including topics of art, religion, family life, food, and recreation.

Details the Pope's humble beginnings, how he became a priest and bishop, and eventually Pope of the Catholic Church.

Tensions rise between the female and male followers of Jesus, including Ester, Mary Magdalene, John, and Simon Peter, from his crucifixion through his resurrection as Ester accuses the men of cowardliness in the face of their master's persecution and the men regard the women's favor in the eyes of the Lord with jealousy.

Argues that Jesus' teaching concerning the kingdom of God is replete with Christian perspectives on human nature and salvation, and that his insights into original sin and grace are closer to core Christianity than Judaism.

Beginning with the Church's triumph over paganism, Bokenkotter follows the making of Christendom up to the high Middle Ages, then details the unmaking of Christendom at the end of the Middle Ages and the Catholic Church's being under seige from the Protestant Reformation to the 20th century, when the siege is slowly lifted. This last section features a special chapter on the renewal sparked by Vatican II.

Extremely useful for students of Church history because it gives them exposure to the primary texts upon which their textbook accounts are based.