Church History

The knowledge of church history among lay Lutherans today is extremely slim, which means they lack the background to understand what is happening within the Christian church today. The three books listed here are all useful for personal study of church history. The first would probably be the most suitable for family devotions.

Christian, Lutheran, Confessional (In Terra Pax, 2020). This book gives an overview of the church’s development from the larger realm of the Western Christian church through the ages to the birth and spread of the Lutheran movement in Europe and finally to the development of the confessional Lutheran church bodies in America. Author: Arthur Eggert. Available: NPH, Amazon/(pr&eb), B&N/(pr&eb)

The Church from Age to Age (CPH, 2011). This book gives a detailed history of the Christian church as it has developed over time and as it has spread throughout the world. It was written and edited by numerous historians to satisfy those interested in a deeper view of church history. Available: CPH & Amazon/(pr&eb)

Church History: The Basics (CPH, 2016) is an abridged version of The Church from Age to Age intended for the reader who wants to gain a general understanding of church history with less emphasis on the details. Available: CPH & Amazon/(pr&eb)