Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14043 in Books
• Published on: 1990-04-03
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

Customer Reviews

One of the most important books that a Christian can own
Eusebius of Caesarea (c.263-c.339) is remembered to day as the father of Church history, as his history is the oldest one that has survived to today. (Actually, Hegesippus (c.110-c.180) wrote an earlier chronicle of his time, but all that has survived is the eight passages quoted by Eusebius.) Now, Eusebius was not a great historian, and his work has been correctly criticized for a number of issues, most notably the rambling style that makes his work dull and lifeless for the modern reader.

But, that said, what makes Eusebius's book so exciting is that he was alive and writing back in the very earliest days of the Church. Indeed, combining this book with the works of Josephus (37-100), from whom Eusebius quotes extensively, gives you a great look into the early years post-Christ.

So, while I admit that this book is rather slow and somewhat heavy to read, I do think that it is one of the most important books that a Christian can own. I very highly recommend this book!

Good Church History
If you want to learn about the early days of the Christian Church, this is the book. Eusibius relates the facts concerning the church until his life (around 400ad). This is great as both an introduction to church history and as a capstone to better your understanding of the early church.

Eusibus takes on the events from the life of Christ and the early apostles and the problems that faced the church to the Time of Constantine. He seems to explain things where much of the bible leaves off. He explains where the bible came from, who wrote them and why some parts were left out (though Constantine did most of the damage).

Eusibus was a scholar and historian to the Emperor Constantine and was instructed to explain the progression of the church and their leader which is often a cause for much debate on many Christian sects today. While it can be a nuisance at times, Eusibus often quotes other historians such as Josephus, the bible and other authors.

While at time this book can be a little difficult to read for the average reader, it is filled with loads of information and reference to other writers and authors.

Enjoy

A tough but rewarding read
The History of the Church by Eusebius is part bibliography, part sourcebook, part historical narrative with some doctrinal commentary, textual criticism, and hagiographies sprinkled throughout. Eusebius includes lengthy quotations of primary sources. Sometimes whole documents are inserted. The accessibility of the work varies with the material being quoted. In book two, the extensive quoting of Josephus makes for quick reading. In book ten, a sixteen-page dedication oratory seems to never end.

Eusebius opens his work with his own exposition on nature of God and on Messianic prophesies in the Old Testament. Soon the history of the early church, the fates of the Apostles, and the siege of Jerusalem are discussed. The rest of the work is organized chronologically. After reaching the time of a prominent writer, Eusebius often will list the books written by the writer or note the opinions of the writer on the authenticity of specific scriptural texts.

The History describes at length the suffering and endurance of martyrs. Persecutions are a major theme of the work, especially the later half. Eusebius mentions divisions within early Christianity, but usually he describes only the response of leaders and writers to specific heretics. Descriptions of what different sects believe are either written in a polemic tone or absent altogether.

The back cover claims that this translation emphasis clarity. Still, finishing this book took effort and fortitude. The History and the material it preserves are important sources for early Christian history. The History therefore is a rewarding as well as a tough read.