Exploring Church History
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2014
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Publisher's Description
Fortress Press’s Foundations for Learning series prepares students for academic success through compelling resources that kick-start their educational journey into professional Christian ministry. In Exploring Church History, Derek Cooper invites readers to consider the purpose and significance of church history in the lives of individuals and communities today. Rather than offering an exploration of bygone eras and outdated events, Cooper brings history to life by emphasizing how past events, individuals, and movements shape how we understand the world around us. Exploring Church History is divided into three convenient sections. While the first and second sections explain why and what we study in church history, the last section teaches readers how to study church history. The combined effect of the book is to present a clear and accessible introduction to the field of church history.
Endorsements (4)
“The convoluted, complicated, multilayered, and omnifaceted subject of church history finds a refreshingly accessible and reliably honest invitation to explore this subject in and through this nuanced and candid book. Drawing upon the 'marks' of the church and using them as a frame to ask stimulating questions, the writer goes on to offer a range of evocative and wide-ranging illustrations and wraps this up with significant methodological observations, all of which open the field to students and scholars alike to engage in creative exploration of the legacy and living reality that is the church in the world.”
“For anyone thinking church history has to be boring, this book is the perfect antidote. In a rapid-fire romp through the last two thousand years and around the world, Derek Cooper shows how engaging and relevant the study of the Christian past can be." —Douglas Jacobsen Messiah College "Derek Cooper’s book, Exploring Church History, proves the point that the writing of 'Church history is always in need of reform.' Cooper's ecumenical approach and fresh rendering of the Christian story opens the door for the reader to encounter the breadth and depth of the church’s rich storehouse of saints and sinners. Exploring the theological themes of 'progression' and 'alteration,' this book challenges the reader to rethink their historical and theological conclusions on various church movements across the ages. Designed as a study guide on Christian history for historians and nonexperts alike, Exploring Church History will help everyone to discover the great and exciting treasure trove that is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.”
“In Exploring Church History, Derek Cooper takes the road less traveled and weaves together history, theological practicality, and life experience. All faiths have their essential points and Exploring Church History sets out to establish four core 'marks' of Christianity—its oneness, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity. Cooper calls those who profess to be followers of Jesus to live more consistently Christian by making them more aware of their shared history as a family and urging them to live together peacefully.”
“Exploring Church History is engaging and thought provoking and enlightens the reader both historically and theologically. By rooting the discussions in the creeds, Cooper squarely makes this work historical theology. By weaving in historical and personal stories, he helps the student see the integral importance of studying church history for both for the individual and the church. Exploring Church History is suitable for early and prospective seminarians, Bible study groups, and those seeking to have a better understanding of the importance of historical theology in their lives and in the ongoing life of the church. I highly recommend it for study and for spiritual formation, and I plan to use it myself!”
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