Tried by Fire, William J. Bennett
Tried by Fire, William J. Bennett
1 Rating(s)
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

Tried by Fire
The Story of Christianity's First Thousand Years

Author: William J. Bennett

Narrator: Wayne Campbell

Unabridged: 15 hr 41 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: 03/22/2016


Synopsis

Full of larger-than-life characters, stunning acts of bravery, and heart-rending sacrifice, Tried by Fire narrates the rise and expansion of Christianity from an obscure regional sect to the established faith of the world’s greatest empire with influence extending from India to Ireland, Scandinavia to Ethiopia, and all points in between. William J. Bennett explores the riveting lives of saints and sinners, paupers and kings, merchants and monks who together—and against all odds—changed the world forever. To tell their story, Bennett follows them through the controversies and trials of their time. Challenged by official persecution, heresy, and schism, they held steadfast to the truth of Christ. Strengthened by poets, preachers, and theologians, they advanced in devotion and love. In this moving and accessible narrative, Tried by Fire speaks across centuries to offer insight into the people and events that shaped the faith that continues to shape our lives today.

About William J. Bennett

Dr. William J. Bennett is one of America's most influential and respected voices on cultural, political, and educational issues. Host of "The Bill Bennett Show" podcast, he is also the Washington Fellow of the American Strategy Group. He is the author and editor of more than twenty-five books, and lives in North Carolina.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Michael on October 08, 2016

This is probably one of the best, most readable of all the books I've found so far on the history of the early Christian church. Bennett covers the incredible bravery and faithfulness of the Christian martyrs, evangelists, intellectuals, and church fathers. But this is more than just hagiography. Th......more

Goodreads review by Katie on October 08, 2021

An overview of Christianity’s first 1000 years. This is exactly what I wanted to learn about the church. With the timeline in mind, now I can go back and further dig into various people or times. Dr. Bennett also provides an index so I can kind of use this book as a reference to refresh my memory on......more

Goodreads review by Susan on June 17, 2017

This is a well written account of the first thousand years of the Christian Church. My husband read it out loud over the course of several months which was a great way for us to discuss it as we read. I learned a lot about the spread of Christianity from a small regional sect of believers to its pla......more

Goodreads review by Misael on March 29, 2020

I learned so much from this book, including: ancient church history, ancient Roman/Byzantine history, about the barbarians and the birth of Europe, and not to mention, the intertwined nature of church/state for long stretches of time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is an extremely useful and......more

Goodreads review by Steve on June 01, 2018

William Bennett's 'Tried by Fire' is a very interesting and readable account of the early history of Christianity. Most interesting is Bennett's account of how Christianity spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean area, southern and Western Europe in the first 2-4 centuries after the death of Chr......more