Story of Christianity: Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day

By Justo L. Gonzalez

Beginning with the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, this second volume of The Story of Christianity continues narrative history to the present. Historian Justo Gonzalez brings to life the people, dramatic events, and shaping ideas of Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy during this period, keynoting crucial theological developments while providing fresh understanding of the social, political, and economic forces that influenced the formation of the church. In particular, the author notes recurring themes of unrest, rebellion, and reformation.

Gonzalez presents an illuminating record of the lives, impelling ideas, and achievements of such prominent figures as Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin––movers and shapers in the emerging Protestant church. His biographical insights, in conjunction with vivid historical accounts, reveal how individual lives mirror and clarify core theological concerns and developments.

The interpretive overview of The Story of Christianity includes a thorough and timely analysis of the growth and maturation of Christianity, including events in Europe, the United States, and Latin America––the latter an area too often neglected in church histories, yet increasingly vital to an understanding of Christianity's historical development, present situation, and future, options.

Gonzalez's richly textured study discusses the changes and directions of the church in the traditions of Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Christianity. The Story of Christianity covers such recent occurrences as the World Council of Churches, the Second Vatican Council, the movement toward Christian unity, and much more. It concludes with a thoughtful look at the major issues and debates involving Christians today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Aug 10, 2010
• ISBN: 9780062010759

Justo L. Gonzalez

Justo L. González, retired professor of historical theology and author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought, attended United Seminary in Cuba and was the youngest person to be awarded a Ph. D in historical theology at Yale University. Over the past thirty years he has focused on developing programs for the theological education of Hispanics, and he has received four honorary doctorates.

Reviews for Story of Christianity

[kristykay22 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This second volume of González's history of the Christian Church takes the reader from the Reformation through the present day. While I enjoyed this continuation of his history, I felt like González got more bogged down in listing out historical events of the twentieth century and often lost sight of the theological and denominational changes that were such a focus of the first volume. Some of this is just the nature of writing a history of more modern times -- it's a lot harder to have the same perspective on events of the past few decades that you do of the church in the ancient world -- but I still missed some of the focus and energy of the first volume. Or maybe the Christian church was just more entertaining before the Reformation? Either way, this is still a worthwhile read and a helpful guide to the influence of the Christian church on our shared history and culture.

[deferredreward_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent, easy to read book about the history of Christianity. Touches a lot of subjects without going into too great of depth, also has further resources listed after each section. Not afraid to tell the ugly parts. Author has a good understanding of & writes well, even about subjects that as you get closer to the end you find may not be what he believes. As you draw closer to the current time it is more and more of an overview - as if you are familiar with certain periods you will find much left out. This is not really a big issue since you can research further & the book accomplishes its goal well within a reasonable length. Also as you get closer to the present "Christianity" becomes increasingly broadly defined and attention is given to a lot of the things in the last couple centuries that have weakened the church (doctrinal compromises, re-interpreting scripture based on culture & "science"). This is good, because these movements are strong in "Christianity", and important to understand in order to see the problems in the church today, but it won't fill you in on more positive things like a resurgence of Reformed theology & a return to an understanding of Biblical inerrancy happening now. Of course, present day is 1984 so some of these things have gained more strength more recently.