Customer Reviews for Hendrickson Publishers History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Hendrickson Publishers History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Philip Schaff (1819-1893) was a German Reformed church historian, born in Switzerland. He was educated at Tubingen, Halle, and Berlin, and later took a position as Professor of Church History at Union Theological Seminary, New York. Schaff bases his work on the premise that church history in order to be valid and valuable must deal with three factors: 1) God through Christ, 2) man as a responsible moral creature, and 3) Satan as a real being employing the Anti-Christ as his agent at the end of time.
Schaff begins his history with an examination of the preparation for Christianity in Judaism and the heathen world and the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The 8 volume series concludes with a general introduction to modern church history and a thorough analysis of the productive period of the Reformation, tracing the Protestant movement in Germany and Switzerland to the close of the 16th century. There are footnotes, charts, maps and each volume contains its own alphabetical index.
Schaff taught church history at German Reformed Seminary in Mercersburg, Penn., and Union Theological Seminary in New York. He was involved in the formation of the Evangelical Alliance, the revision of the English Bible (the Revised Version), and the Alliance of the Reformed Churches. Schaff was founder of the American Society of Church History.
Average Customer Rating:
(34 Reviews) 34
Rating Snapshot (34 reviews)
5 stars
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17 out of 17100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Review 1 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Very readable and practical.
Date:April 26, 2013
Dave Kehler
Location:Steinbach, Manitoba Canada
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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Covers all the basics--gives an excellent understanding of events in the church and history. Highly recommend every leader read the entire 8 volumes. I have. I buy these and give them as gifts to upcoming leaders and for basic schools on the mission field.
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Great source of information/nominal cost
Date:November 27, 2012
TWS7
Location:North Carolina
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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I have been reading through a couple of the volumes since purchasing this set. I find the reading very easy and enjoyable. The set goes into admirable detail when it comes to tracing the history of the Church throughout the centuries. And you just can't beat the price.
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+1point
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Review 3 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
history of christian church 8 volumes
Date:September 5, 2012
Big daddy
Location:Warwick, R.I.
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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I am currently attending a Christian college on line and the purchase of these series of books is invaluable, they are hardcovered, excellant first class binding with a wealth of church history for referral. Great Buy on Sale. I would reccomend to any student, lay person or christian interested in Church history.
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+2points
3of 4voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Philip Schaff is a preterist (just a heads up)
Date:July 2, 2012
AllGloryToGodMinistry
Location:Boston
Age:35-44
Gender:male
I have only begun to study this set of Christian history books, but felt I should share what I found early on in the first book: Philip Schaff is a preterist.
On page 82 of Volume 1 of this series, he refers to Revelation 18:11-14 as being fulfilled in the fall of the Roman empire. Finding this idea telling, I did a quick online search and sure enough, he's a preterist.
Does that make this series of no value to someone who does not hold to a preterist perspective on eschatology? No, but it should help one approach his use of the scriptures with a discerning eye. We should be practicing our skills of discernment always, anyhow, as the scriptures exhort.
Just a word of warning to anyone considering purchasing this series of books.
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+9points
15of 21voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Good indepth presentation of church history
Date:June 27, 2012
cliepak
Location:Sonoma County, CA
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
4
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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5
This collection provides an in depth scholarly presentation of church history up to the Reformation era. I would recommend it as a valuable reference tool.
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0points
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Review 6 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Well worth the investment
Date:March 16, 2012
Roger Marks
Location:Drouin Victoria Australia
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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I am a church history enthusiast and have read over 40 books on the subject. I bought this set because reading books is one of my retirement pleasures.
I have been reading volume one and if the other seven are in the same vein, I am in for some very happy reading.
The style of wrting is very easy to read and flows simply and uncomplicated. He is not into big theological words, and he doesn't pad out his writing with unecessary and tiresome detail. He makes comprehesive use of scripture references, so a bible will be required whilst reading.
Because I already know quite a bit of church history, it did not take much to work out if what he was saying was in fact true. Generally speaking it is very informative and will allow the reader to get a good overall picture for themsleves.
There were a few times where he was falling back into traditional church interpretations of the information such as communion but on the whole he has avoided this.
The books are set with headings covering all the topics and within topics so one can navigate very easily, which means one does not have to read everything if you want to explore a specific subject or aspect of a subject.
A very good read in addition to the fact that all eight volumes look very impressive on the book shelf.
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Date:March 14, 2012
Andrew
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality:
4
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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For the price, this product cannot be beat. A theologically rich and historically accurate marriage is a rarity among historical accounts of the Christian church. If you are a serious reformed Christian that is interested in learning the basics of the history of the Christian church, this is a necessity (particularly if you are entering the ministry as this is a curriculum requirement for some).
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0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
worthy reprint
Date:March 1, 2012
freddyf
Location:Sinsheim, Germany
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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Schaf's church history remains a classic reference work for pastors, missonaries and Christian colleges. Although only bringing the reader up to the end of the Reformation Age, the work provides compact information, great analysis and vibrant, magnaminious excursions on high-profile personalities. The work is well footnoted and serves as a great diving board into an ocean of source materials. Schaf's mediating theology will not satisfy everyone's text-critical viewpoint, but his genuine Christian spirit is refreshing and devotional.
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Very happy with the purchase.
Date:February 4, 2012
mdpenrod
Location:Garden City, MI
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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5
Content & quality is more than I expected. Can't beat the price. A+++
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Great history
Date:February 3, 2012
Thanksgiving1622
Location:Auburn, Maine
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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A good history of the Christian CHurch until the time of the Swiss Reformation. Lots of information and good footnotes for further research.
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Excellent purchase
Date:November 7, 2011
Jurrien
Location:Sleeuwijk, Netherlands
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
4
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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The best person to write a history of the church is a christian. The love Philip has for Jesus Christ and his body is clear on every page. But also the debt of his study is remarkable. Every aspect of the church is thoroughly investigated: the fact Philip could visit the old libraries in Europe makes the History of the Christian Church a work of unmeasurable value.
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1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Excellent a must
Date:November 3, 2011
Andrew
Location:Montreal
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
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Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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So well written, a must for people who whant to know more about church history and not get bore along the way.
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Better than Expected!
Date:October 20, 2011
Stillsman
Location:Hudson, NC
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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This set of books is THE best value i have encountered in a long time. Then again, ALL of my recent purchases from CBD.com have been excellent values! These volumes are written very very well; no dry academic blah blah. They are easy to read, very informative and actually difficult to put down once i start reading. I have searched for several years for a reputable and sincere history of the Christian Church. I found that and much more in this 8 volume set!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Good set for the price
Date:August 30, 2011
Robert883
Location:Alabama
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Compared to other “sets” I have purchased, the copy I received is good. Unlike the others the print is clear (font is a little dated) and the binding is adequate. The subject matter is what’s important, so one can glean a lot from what each volume contains.
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-2points
0of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Five Thumbs up!
Date:July 20, 2011
Israel2Joy
Location:Lafayette, In
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
5
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This 8 vol. set arrived at my door yesterday afternoon. The books are not only hardback but they are appealing to the eye. Having read through the introduction of volume 1, I am of the opinion that "The History of the Christian Church" will not only be easy to digest, but quite informative, and will in the end, help me to have a greater appreciation for our church fathers and what they have to say in regards to God and His word. And too, that if you are a serious bible student, you might want to include this 8 volume set in your library. Read and enjoy.
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Excellent value
Date:July 6, 2011
ggt12
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
5
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5
I was impressed with the price that CBD placed on the History of the Christian Church. Keep checking back on any item you wish to purchase because CBD keeps adjusting prices. Great value.
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-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Thank you
Date:December 6, 2010
Spage
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
5
out of
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This whole set, along with the 38vol Church Fathers, is one of my prize sets, I am thankful that this is still in print, and am convinced- now more than ever- that we must learn of our history and heritage if we are to be vital in the Present and future. I love Shcaff's spirit as well.
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Date:May 11, 2010
I recommend this series for the student and the zealous layman. It's kinda of hard to read because it's from the 1800's. He gives tons of scholarly references and lots of Greek. I might not agree with him entirely but make no mistake if you want to go in dept about Church History than this is the Best of the Best! Definitely worth it's weight in gold. This is the best price too!
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+6points
7of 8voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Date:December 1, 2009
Paul Pavao
Schaff's history has proven completely reliable in my experience. Despite the fact that he is wildly biased toward Reformed theology, his history is well-referenced, Thoroughly-researched, and respected because it has proven reliable for over a century.The language and, more importantly, the sentence structure is slightly antiquated, but it is much easier reading than the Ante-Nicene Fathers series, for example. His story-telling style is captivating, and he is happy to take space to let you read for yourself the words of the characters of history that he covers.Schaff's is my favorite comprehensive church history, despite its age and despite the fact that I am strenuously opposed to much Reformed theology.
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+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes
Overall Rating:
Date:July 11, 2009
Daniel Wellons
I have read through volume 4. I wish I could give it 5 stars! Dr. Schaff's zeal for the glory and majesty of God is electrifying. My favorite passage is from volume 8:The Reformed Church excels in self-discipline, liberality, energy, and enterprise; it carries the gospel to all heathen lands and new colonies; it builds up a God-fearing, manly, independent, heroic type of character, such as we find among the French Huguenots, the English Puritans, the Scotch Covenanters, the Waldenses in Piedmont; and sent in times of persecution a noble army of martyrs to the prison and the stake. The Lutheran Church cultivates a hearty, trustful, inward, mystic style of piety, the science of theology, biblical and historical research, and wrestles with the deepest problems of philosophy and religion.God has wisely distributed his gifts, with abundant opportunities for their exercise in the building up of his kingdom.
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.