Sketches in Church History
by James Kiefer

Some of the readers of my biographical sketches of memorable Christians of the past have asked whether there is available on the internet a short, simple, introduction to Church History. I call their attention to a book called Sketches in Church History, by Canon J.C. Robertson. Long out of copyright, it is stored here in the Christian Classics Electronic Library and is also available online here.

The Canon is a Victorian clergyman of the Church of England, writing for young readers (evidence: he speaks of “pirates,” and explains that the word means “sea-robbers”), probably intending his book to be used in connection with a catechism class. He covers the period from AD 33 to AD 1500, stopping just short of the Reformation. I assume that there is a sequel, but I have not seen it. In presenting the various disputes that have occurred in the Church from time to time, the author never hesitates to tell his readers which side is right and which is wrong. (Hint: the closer we get to 1500, the likelier the Pope is to be wrong.) However, he seems to have his facts straight. If anyone finds factual errors, please let me know. (Letting the author know is another matter.)


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Texts throughout this section are copyright 2008 by James E. Kiefer, printed by permission of his estate.
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