“Introduction to the History of Christianity addresses key people and figures so that students have background in class discussions, has sidebars to help focus on particular people or issues, and also weaves topics into various sections to show how concepts are linked.”

“Introduction to the History of Christianity covers most of the things I want to make sure are addressed, and it does so in a reasonably non-sectarian way. Dowley’s book is quite efficient in presenting this data in ways that allow students to take notes as they read the book. One feature of this book that I think goes some good distance in helping with this is the use of the sidebars on specific individuals and topics. Digging a little deeper into a historical individual through a sidebar, outside of the main body of the text, makes it easier for students to focus on that person and the data they need to glean.”

"If you have only one church history book, this should be it. No other survey so attractively combines accuracy and readability with an abundance of well-chosen illustrations. It will please both those who like to read about the past and those who never knew how interesting it could be."