History Lives: Chronicles of the Church Book Review

Series Title: History Lives: Chronicles of the Church

Titles: Peril & Peace, Monks & Mystics, Courage & Conviction, Hearts & Hands, and Rescue & Redeem.

Author: Mindy & Brandon Withrow

Publisher: Christian Focus Publications

Ages: 9-14

This five volume series provides children nine to fourteen with a clear and comprehensive history of the church through those people who followed Christ. It is written in a modern style and brings to life both the struggles of the church as well as the many ways it has glorified God. The series covers 3B.C. through today, and concludes with a look to the future.

Each volume provides the reader with a clear understanding of the major historical events of the time period covered. In addition, the series contains numerous special sections providing the reader with background explanations and additional information to help them understand and appreciate the times the events were occurring in. I would highly recommend this series for families with children in later elementary and middle school. Below is a brief summary of each book in the series.  

Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church Vol. 1

Beginning with the Apostle Paul and ending with Benedict this volume covers the first 550 years of the church. In addition, to describing the historical events through the lives of Christ’s followers the reader will learn about persecution, worship, creeds, and church councils.

Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church Vol. 2

This volume begins with Gregory the Great and continues through 950 years to John Hus. The biographical information presented through the narratives brings church history to life for the reader. This volume includes an examination of Isalam, division in the church, the Crusades, the first university, creeds and councils, and the Renaissance.

Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church Vol. 3

The fourteenth and fifteenth centuries were a time of tremendous changes to the church. From Erasmus to John Eliot this was a time of action as the Scriptures were studied and the church faced many challenges.

Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church Vol. 4

Jonathan Edwards to David Livingstone this volume examines the time the gospel exploded around the world. During this time period there were revivals from Europe to the Americas. It was during this time the need and urgency of world missions came to the forefront of many Christians.

Rescue and Redeem: Chronicles of the Modern Church Vol. 5

This volume continues examining world missions with Hudson Taylor and looks at the last 150 years of church history. Special sections focus on modern missions and Bible translations.