In The Division of Christendom; revered historian Hans J. Hillerbrand details the events and ideas of the sixteenth century and contends that the Protestant Reformation must be seen as an interplay of religious; political; and economic forces in which religion played a major role. Hillerbrand tells the fascinating story of the ways in which theological disagreements divided the centuries-old Christian church and the roles that leading characters such as Luther; Zwingli; Anabaptists; and Calvin played in establishing new churches; even as Roman Catholicism continued to develop in its own ways. The book covers all significant aspects of this period and interprets these important events in their own context while reflecting on the consequences of the Reformation for later periods and for today.
#998991 in Books 2003-01-08 2003-01-08Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.05 x 1.20 x 6.05l; 1.99 #File Name: 0631221387636 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Master At WorkBy D. TaylorIf there is one academic historian I would recommend to a non-academic audience; it would be Peter Brown. I do believe he is one of the greatest historians in any field in my lifetime; and I have never been anything but delighted by his works. His textbook; "The Rise of Western Christendom;" surveys the transformation of the antique world from the second century to the ninth; roughly the period when Christianity became a historical force. It is simply the best narrative and description of how Christianity came to transform the Roman world that there is. It may perhaps be a bit too detailed for the general reader; and someone with no knowledge whatsoever of ancient Rome or early Christianity might find it tough sledding. But otherwise; there is simply no excuse for anyone interested in the period or early Christianity not owning the book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Peter Brown's work on the Rise of Western Christendom is a must readBy mgolfanopoulosI ordered both editions of this book---one on Kindle and one in softcover so my review covers both.If you're up to to a wonderful romp through the history of the early church; read this book; read parts of it a second time and then put it on your reference shelf because there isn't a better early Church history resource available.The title is misleading since the author spends as much time discussing the Eastern Church as he does the Western one and that's okay because in so doing he is able to paint a more complete picture of what was happening in the different geographical regions and diverse cultures Christianity entered.The author debunks a lot of myths and we learn that great hoards of barbarians did not sweep down from the North and in one mighty and overwhelming swoop conquer Rome. Beards; unleavened bread and the "Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father" and not the "Father and the Son" were not the only reasons for the split between the Eastern and Western Church and that split was a along time coming and a long time taking effect. Forget an exact date. It does not exist.Clarifying historical events aside; Dr Brown provides the reader a well researched and clear picture of early Christianity and the major players who had a part in it. The sensitive student of the early church will wonder how God got so much accomplished during such a messy period.If you are a student of world or Christian history; this is a must read book. .1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The real truth about how Rome declined and what rose in its placeBy S. AlbertA great read for history buffs who need an newer look at the "fall" of Rome; the "barbarians" who were supposedly "at the gates;" and other myths of the years from 200 AD to 1000 AD; the years when Christianity in its several forms spread from the Mediterranean Middle East to Rome by way of Monasteries in Ireland;Scotland; and Northumbria in England. Conflicts between the "Roman" way and the "Celtic" way that re-appear even in our own day. And this is only the first half of the book! An excellent trip through the early years of Christianity and the European politics and history with which it interacted; the diversities of its beliefs; practices; and personalities of those who came to be revered as its saints. A rich journey into the early years of Western Culture that illuminates much about current religious and political conflicts; partnerships; hopes; successes and failures. Superbly written; fun to read!
