Modern Church History -- book recommendations

[chbrooking]

When I went to seminary, I had no intention of becoming a pastor. Also, I was too immature in my thinking to appreciate church history. The irony is that my PhD work is historical. I've had to make up a lot of ground. But the ground I've made up has been in the area of early church. My knowledge is woefully inadequate once we move beyond the reformation.

I would appreciate recommendations of good works on modern church history. By good, I include engaging. I may recognize the importance of history now, but I still struggle to read history when it's dry. Plus, I don't have much of a grid to build on. So I'd like the spectrum of introductory to more advanced.

Can you help me out?

 

[Guido's Brother]

Though it is a few years old (1995), if you haven't already, you might want to look at the extensive bibliographies in Church History: An Introduction to Research, Reference Works, and Methods, James E. Bradley and Richard A. Muller.

 

[DTK]

Though it is a few years old (1995), if you haven't already, you might want to look at the extensive bibliographies in Church History: An Introduction to Research, Reference Works, and Methods, James E. Bradley and Richard A. Muller.

A helpful resource, indeed, for laying the groundwork for a critical approach to Church history that acquaints one with the various problems involved, and illustrations of how it is not to be done. You can preview it on Amazon, peruse the table of contents, and even read some pages.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Church-History-Introduction-Research-Reference/dp/0802808263/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244070324&sr=1-1]Amazon.com: Church History: An Introduction to Research, Reference Works, and Methods: James E. Bradley, Richard A. Muller: Books[/ame]

DTK

 

[Josiah]

I know you asked for modern church history, but some of these may help:

Seeking A Better Country by Daryl Hart & John Muether

The Presbyterian Conflict by Edwin Rian

Lest We Forget
by Robert K. Churchill

Fighting the Good Fight by Daryl Hart and John Muether

History For A Pilgrim People by Charles G. Dennison

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Pressing-Toward-Mark-Commemorating-Presbyterian/dp/0934688362"]Pressing Toward the Mark: Essays Commemorating Fifty Years of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church[/ame]
by Richard C. Gamble and Charles G. Dennison

The History Behind the RPCES by George P. Hutchinson

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Broadening-Church-Theological-Issues-Presbyterian/dp/B002697BFA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244069898&sr=8-2"]The Broadening Church[/ame] by Lefferts Loetcher

Peter Wallace Has some great papers written on Old School and New School Presbyterian History etc.

PCA Historical Center Will have alot of good source material.



Im sure other can help fill in the gaps I have left with other suggestions. Hope this helps.

 

[Idelette]

I love reading church history and I've found this book to be incredibly engaging and concise! It includes maps, sketches, pictures of different sites and churches... etc. It is both very informative and enjoyable to read! I highly recommend it!

"Sketches From Church History" by S.M. Houghton

Reformation Heritage Books