Church history books?

[Tradd]

Just wondering what you folks like to read in the way of church history? I'm looking for some to add to my to-read list for when I've got some free time in a few months. I'd prefer more traditional, mainstream suggestions!

Thanks!

[Tiam]

That seems kind of broad. What kind of church history? Religion? Theology? Architecture, politics?

[gail_d]

I have it on my shelf but haven't read it yet, but I've heard excellent reports about Diarmaid MacCulloch's Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, published by Viking, at 1161 pages in length.

There was a BBC video series of the book which also gets good reports--here's the link to it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/History-Christianity-First-Three-Thousand/dp/B0037ABB6W/ref=pd_sim_b_1/175-1814887-5780714 (I have it too, but haven't had the opportunity to watch it.)

[goldensmom]

Without looking at my bookshelf because I am sitting in a recliner and don't want to get up:

Turning Points by Mark Noll -quick overview
Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelly -quick overview
Story of Christianity: Volumes I, The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation
by Justo Gonzales
The Story of Christianity: Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day
by Justo Gonzales
A History of the Medieval Church 590-1890 by Margaret Deanesly
A History of the Church in the Middle Ages by F. Donald Logan

I am most interested in the beginning of the New Testament church, the development of the church at Rome, the east/west split and up to the Protestant Reformation. Tons of stuff to learn.

[Packratona!]

Any of Tom Wright's books I found to be very good, he is quite readable and highly respected. I also liked Pamela Eisenbaum's books. I really like Daniel Boyarin's latest hot off the press, the Jewish Gospels the Story of the Jewish Christ; it is very readable. He is an incredible scholar though I do not recommend hims works to the average reader, you have to have an above average background in the subject to be able to appreciate his other books.
I am currently reading The Jewish Annotated New Testament which also just came out. I gives a lot of the cultural, linguistic and historical background that is typically absent.

[artist]

My son is a preaching major and is home from college right now. I'll ask him for some suggestions and get back to you later.

[Packratona!]

I also liked The Lost History of Christianity by Jenkins. Quite interesting.

[artist]

http://theresurgence.com/2010/12/21/essential-books-from-about-church-history-readers-speak-out

[catherine]

Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't

http://www.amazon.com/Religious-Literacy-American-Know-And-Doesnt/dp/0060846704