Book review: ‘Church History’ explores major events in enjoyable, understandable way

“Church History” by Simonetta Carr
Reformation Heritage Books, 2022

The story of Christian believers through the centuries is both fascinating and overwhelming. There are many large tomes detailing the 2,000-year history of the Church in all its branches and developments.

But for the average Christian believer, much of this story is remote. Simonetta Carr is the author of “Church History,” an excellent overview of Christian history written especially for younger readers. Carr is best known for her beautifully illustrated biographies for young people of notable Christians like Augustine, Martin Luther, Lady Jane Grey, Charles Spurgeon and others. In this new volume, she has prepared one of the most accessible accounts of the story of the Church from the age of the apostles to contemporary times. 

Most of the major events are noted and explained, and many significant individuals and groups are highlighted. It also includes a number of lesser-known men and women, which gives the reader a fuller perspective.

I especially appreciate how she brings together the experiences of the Church from many places around the world, such as Asia and Africa. To condense 2,000 years into about 250 pages is a monumental task, and she has accomplished this quite well. Of course, there are some missing people and events, but she is carefully balanced in what she includes.

Her perspective is evangelical and Reformed, so that colors her viewpoint. But for Bible-believing Christians in many denominational traditions, this book is both enjoyable and understandable. She is careful to explain many issues in a way that a young person — or many of us who are older — will appreciate. 

Carr touches on notable differences among the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant branches of Christianity. “In these 2,000 years, the Church has learned many lessons, sometimes the hard way” (p. 246). She amply illustrates that assertion as she tells the story of the Church.

The attractive hardback is generously illustrated with photographs, artwork, maps and discussion questions. There is a valuable glossary and index in the back. This would be a welcome addition to any church library, homeschool or personal library.