You are here

Introduction to the History of Christianity, Third Edition

An essential guide to Christian history

Now in its third edition, Tim Dowley’s masterful one-volume survey of church history has an updated design and new content, particularly in the section covering most recent Christian history. The inviting full-color format includes many new images and updated maps, while maintaining many of the features that made the second edition a popular volume for the classroom. Dowley has assembled a global cast of respected scholars to write the full story of the rise of the Christian faith and to provide a well-rounded picture of the worldwide development of Christianity. The volume has been praised as accurate, scholarly, and balanced. Its writers are committed to Christianity but also to the unhindered pursuit of truth that does not avoid the darker aspects of the varied story of Christianity. The accessible text is supported by detailed timelines, maps, profiles of key figures in Christianity, colorful images, and a complete glossary. Each section includes questions for discussion.

What’s New

  • Inviting full-color format and refreshed design
  • New images and maps
  • Updated content in sections related to recent Christian history

Want to sign up to get a free exam or desk copy once it is released?

Request an Exam Copy

Explore the books

Introduction to the History of Christianity, Third Edition

Edited by Tim Dowley

Paperback
ISBN: 9781506445960
Price: $59.00
Pages: 620

Request an Exam Copy

A Short Introduction to the History of Christianity

Edited by Tim Dowley

Paperback
ISBN: 9781506445977
Price: $39.00
Pages: 432

Request an Exam Copy

The Editor

Tim Dowley is a historian and prolific author and editor of Bible and theology resources. He is the author of Christian Music: A Global History (Fortress Press, 2011), and The Christians: An Illustrated History (2007) and editor of The Atlas of Christian History (Fortress Press, 2016), The Atlas of Christian History (Fortress Press, 2016), The Atlas of European Reformations (Fortress Press, 2015), and The Student Bible Atlas (Fortress Press, 2015), among other titles.

My Teaching Tools

Test and Answer Key

To receive the Premade Test and Answer Key for this textbook contact our Textbook Adoption Consultant

Instructor's Guide: Resources for Class

Includes links to articles, videos, interviews, websites, and more for use in your class lectures and discussions!
Download the guide

Student Guide: Key Figures

Features the biographies and essential writings of key figures from Christian history for use in your course!
Key Figures in Christian History study guide

Sample Syllabi

Syllabus from Fortress Press

Syllabi from current users

Critical Developments in the History of Christianity, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Tom Miles
History of Christianity, Trinity Christian College, Brian C. Dennert

 

My Study Tools



Find quizzes for additional chapters at Quizlet!

Student Guide: Key Figures

Features the biographies and essential writings of key figures from Christian history for use in your course!
Key Figures in Christian History study guide

Endorsements

Addresses key people and figures so that students have background in class discussions. . .

“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.”

—Brian Dennert | Trinity Christian College

Digging a little deeper into a historical individual through a sidebar. . .makes it easier for students to focus on that person and the data they need to glean. . .

“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.”

—Tom Miles | Nazarene Theological Seminary

This is a book whose honesty, scholarship, and general attractiveness commend it even to the nonreligious reader. . .


 

— Publishers Weekly

No other survey so attractively combines accuracy and readability with an abundance of well-chosen illustrations. . .

"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."
 

— Christianity Today

This fine handbook. . .with its charts, maps, diagrams, and color illustrations will help readers through the maze of complex Christian history. . .


 

— New York Times

Reviews

Review on Doctrinae Coram Deo blog
Review on Pursuing Veritas
Review in The Midwest Book Review
 

Books

Introduction to the History of Christianity, Third Edition
Tim Dowley (Editor)
Release date: April 1, 2018

An Essential Guide to Christian History

Now in its third edition, Tim Dowley’s masterful one-volume survey of church history has an updated design and new ...

A Short Introduction to the History of Christianity
Tim Dowley (Editor)
Release date: April 1, 2018

Tim Dowley’s masterful one-volume survey of church history is now available in a new concise format designed with today’s student in mind. Each section of ...