Good A Book Report Of “A Short History Of Christianity” By Martin E. Marty Book Review Example
Type of paper: Book Review
Topic: People, Faith, Insight, Present, Bible, Dialogue, Mission, Discussion
Pages: 3
Words: 825
Published: 2020/09/09
Introduction
The book is written by American historian of religious studies. Being a researcher within the area of historical and cultural backgrounds of religion, Martin E. Marty managed to succeed in his writing career; the thing is that dozens of his works appeared to contain both scholarly content and the principle of accessibility in terms of understanding. As for this paper, it is mainly focused on reviewing one of Marty’s best known books “A Short History of Christianity”. Regarding the abovementioned book, one should be aware that it is considered as the primer of religious chronicle.
In the book “A Short History of Chiristianity” Martin E. Marty emerges to look into the essence of church moving through twenties centuries. The thing is that the author made attempt to conduct a survey of church’s query from the perspective of uncovering such attributes as sanctity, community, and authenticity. Martin E. Marty was aimed at distinguishing the scope of ideals and the historical actuality. Considering the second edition of the discussion book, it is worth saying that Marty has incorporated a new chapter titled “Postscript and Prescript” communicating the current and past occasions within the field of religion. Furthermore, the author has added a deep insight taking into account the contemporary pioneering movements in the area of church’s framework.
Evaluation
A critical look at the book “A Short History on Christianity” reveals immense insights. The point is that the author managed to succeed in communicating the goal of that it is necessary to come to know the particulars of religion before making some statements in respect of this organized system of beliefs. One cannot but encounter the force and command foolowed by the arguments; the point is that the statistics, given at the beginning of this book, makes the book be characterized as the scholarly work. The author has written the book in a way that the readers can clearly see its pivotal message. While reading the lines of the book, it is possible to understand that Martin Emil Marty was mainly aimed at convincing people in the need to beleive in authority of Christ and not choose which verses of the Bible they are targeted to follow. However, on the other hand, the author is also focused on providing some rational contemplation on the matter of Christianity in order to make clear what this doctrine is for sure. The notes as well as a chronological table of religious occasions that are widly present in the book enabled the readers to see the truth in certain actions.
The book “A short History of Christianity” is characterized with personalization of ideas which the author is putting within each chapter. In most cases, the book is based on giving many great ideas, on the one hand, yet, failing in the way they show the mechanism of how these ideas can be put into practice, on the other. All in all, Martin E. MArty provides a number of applicable encouragements and insight giving an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the history of Christianity.
The first chapters of the discussion book are targeted on tracing the religious essence based on evangelizing in order to enhance the maturity in the Christian faith. Moreover, the author is targeted on considering the variety of religious ideas and constructs within Christianity. The second part is taking a view of practical ways of engaging in evangelism and discipleship. Analyzing the book “A short History of Christianity”, it is necessary to make mention that its content is quite logical; nevertheless, it appears to be surfacing at times to some extent. There is no clear transition of the points in the current book. For instance, the part on how to lead people to faith in Christ was well done.
Obviously, Marty has provided a profound analysis of Christian history in his book. It is worth mentioning that the historian, having graduated from the University of Chicago, occurred as the specialist in confronting the issues of Christianity. While attempting to settle on a solution to the implications of dividing the history into periods, Marty utilizes such terms as “reformation” and “modern”. The thing is that the substitution of the sophisticated terms for more comprehensible ones makes the book more readable.
All in all, the ideas presented in the book are definitely helpful. Despite the fact there are some slight drawbacks, it is the work giving us profound estimation of our existence at present time and also reviewing the norms of morality. It is necessary to take into consideration the fact that this book is worth reading regardless of the reader’s religion. The practical steps that are mentioned in the book can be used even by Atheist’s family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “A short History of Christianity” is a great resource tool that people can utilize in discipleship and passing faith in Christ to the next generation. The book offers a number of avenues through which discipleship for people can be enhanced. This book is of great importance for the families having different religion. Yet, the granted and evangelical families will have the biggest benefit while reading this book. In any way, non-Christian parents have to be also interested in familiarizing themselves with the book “A short History of Christianity”. In addition, one should draw attention to the fact that the current book matters a lot for a women’s, men’s and some other Bible Study classes.
Under normal conditions, people have the tendency of holding to traditional ways of spreading the gospel such as travelling for mission projects. The book however gives additional suggestions on how mission work can be done more effectively . Evaluating the book however reviews some critical shortcomings.
Works Cited
Marty, Martin. “A short History of Christianity”, 2nd edition. Philadelphia : Fortress Press, 1987
- APA
- MLA
- Harvard
- Vancouver
- Chicago
- ASA
- IEEE
- AMA