The course of Christian history

Preface

Christianity is now nearly nineteen centuries old. During this long period it has steadily increased in power, determining the beliefs and hopes and ideals of individuals and more and more of whole nations. Judged from any standpoint it must be recognized as one of the master forces of mediaeval and modern history and of the present day. Intelligent men ought, it would seem, to be acquainted with the course of its history, at least in outline, through these centuries.

And yet this history has been comparatively little studied, and when studied emphasis has been laid upon the darker phases of the history, its polemical and political sides. It would seem that the time has come for an effort to secure a wider and more sympathetic knowledge of what Christianity as a whole has done in the midst of the weakness and wickedness of mankind. In a Christian land should not Christian history be regularly and sympathetically taught in all institutions of higher learning? Should not laymen as well as ministers be acquainted in some degree at least with the history of the mightiest single force operative in the life of our day and nation? As the study of history, turning away from the exclusive consideration of politics and government, penetrates more and more into the social and moral life of the people whence the great national characteristics and motives spring, Christianity must become a subject of more intense and sympathetic study.

It is the hope of the author that this little volume may contribute something in this direction. Church history has not been written for college students. It will be years before the many excellent college text-books on general history can

PREFACE

be paralleled by similar ones on church history. But this work is intended primarily for college students. The effort has been made to keep to the main important phases of Christian history, showing the course of development, the effects upon social life, etc. The continuity of Christian history has been constantly in mind. At the end of the volume will be found a brief bibliography, followed by questions on the text and topics for further study. It is hoped that these will be suggestive and helpful to students and instructors in the course of their work.

While the volume has been prepared primarily with the needs of students in mind it is also hoped that it will be used in adult Bible classes, mission study classes, and by individual men and women who desire some better knowledge of the history of their religion. For this reason the text has been kept free from interruptions by notes of any kind, all such matter being relegated to the end of the book. If the volume contributes in any measure to the popularizing of Christian history as a source of religious inspiration and cultural impulse the author will be satisfied.

W. J. M.

Louisville, June, 1918.