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GtrsRGr8 · 09-18-2016, 04:52 PM

The author of this book, William J. Bennett, was the Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan.

Since then, he has written numerous books on a wide range of subjects. This one has been published just this year. I no knowledge of his ability as a historian, but I have no doubt (especially seeing the very high ratings of this book) that he does a more-than-competent job handling the subject of this book.

Bill Bennett is a Roman Catholic. It's very difficult (maybe impossible) for non-fiction authors to keep their own personal biases out of their writing. There may be a Roman Catholic bias in this tome (a Protestant author would be just as likely to do the same). However, since the book covers the first thousand years of the history of Christianity, the touchy subjects of the Inquisition, Reformation Movement, Roman Catholic opposition to science, etc. probably will not be addressed, at least in any depth. The publisher, Thomas Nelson, is a Protestant publisher and that seems to put their imprimatur and nihil obstat (so to speak) on the book.

This is a must-buy for me, especially with the book being currently marked down 80% from the digital list price.

Tried by Fire: The Story of Christianity's First Thousand Years. By William J. Bennett. Rated 4.6 stars from 98 reviews at the present moment, at Amazon. Print list price $32.99; digital list price $9.99; Kindle price now $1.99. Thomas Nelson, publisher. 480 pages. https://www.amazon.com/Tried-Fire-St.../dp/B010R53Y5A.

Book Description
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.

09-18-2016, 04:52 PM	#248
GtrsRGr8 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,334 Karma: 27815322 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Southeastern U.S., ya'll Device: Kindle; Kindle (10.1.1) for PC; Kindle Cloud Reader	The author of this book, William J. Bennett, was the Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan. Since then, he has written numerous books on a wide range of subjects. This one has been published just this year. I no knowledge of his ability as a historian, but I have no doubt (especially seeing the very high ratings of this book) that he does a more-than-competent job handling the subject of this book. Bill Bennett is a Roman Catholic. It's very difficult (maybe impossible) for non-fiction authors to keep their own personal biases out of their writing. There may be a Roman Catholic bias in this tome (a Protestant author would be just as likely to do the same). However, since the book covers the first thousand years of the history of Christianity, the touchy subjects of the Inquisition, Reformation Movement, Roman Catholic opposition to science, etc. probably will not be addressed, at least in any depth. The publisher, Thomas Nelson, is a Protestant publisher and that seems to put their imprimatur and nihil obstat (so to speak) on the book. This is a must-buy for me, especially with the book being currently marked down 80% from the digital list price. Tried by Fire: The Story of Christianity's First Thousand Years. By William J. Bennett. Rated 4.6 stars from 98 reviews at the present moment, at Amazon. Print list price $32.99; digital list price $9.99; Kindle price now $1.99. Thomas Nelson, publisher. 480 pages. https://www.amazon.com/Tried-Fire-St.../dp/B010R53Y5A. Book Description 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. Last edited by GtrsRGr8; 09-18-2016 at 05:05 PM.