Some of the readers of my biographical sketches of memorable
Christians of the past have asked whether there is available on the internet
a short, simple, introduction to Church History. I call their attention to
a book called Sketches in Church History , by Canon J. C. Robertson.
Long out of copyright, it is stored here in
the Christian
Classics Electronic Library and
is also available online here.
The Canon is a Victorian clergyman of the Church of England, writing for young
readers (evidence: he speaks of "pirates," and explains that the word
means "sea-robbers"), probably intending his book to be used in connection
with a catechism class. He covers the period from 33 AD to 1500 AD, stopping
just short of the Reformation. I assume that there is a sequel, but I have not
seen it. In presenting the various disputes that have occurred in the Church
from time to time, the author never hesitates to tell his readers which side
is right and which is wrong. (Hint: the closer we get to 1500, the likelier
the Pope is to be wrong.) However, he seems to have his facts straight. If anyone
finds factual errors, please let me know. (Letting the author know is another
matter.)
Yours,
James Kiefer