Coming July 18, 2024 from Concordia Publishing House
Perfect for Lutheran schools, homeschool families, and anyone who would like a straightforward and accessible introduction to church history. I wrote this book because I needed it to exist. I wanted to provide my own children with a foundation in church history, written from within their own theological tradition. I wanted to introduce them to church fathers, to show them how the Bible came to be canonized, where the liturgy comes from, where the creeds come from, and so much more.
This project was daunting and humbling in scope, and I couldn’t have done it without the team at CPH, my early readers, and the support and encouragement of my family and friends. My hope and prayer is that this book will be a blessing to readers of all ages who desire to know more about the rich faith legacy of the Christian Church.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – The Beginning of the Church
Chapter 2 – Ignatius of Antioch: Eager Martyr
Chapter 3 – Polycarp of Smyrna: Disciple of John
Chapter 4 – Justin Martyr: Early Apologist
Chapter 5 – Irenaeus of Lyons: Unity in Teaching
Chapter 6 – Where Does the Bible Come From?
Chapter 7 – Tertullian of Carthage: Founder of Western Theology
Chapter 8 – Origen of Alexandria: Zealous Teacher
Chapter 9 – Perpetua and Felicitas: Women of Hope
Chapter 10 – Eusebius of Caesarea: First Church Historian
Chapter 11 – Where Do the Creeds Come From?
Chapter 12 – Athanasius of Alexandria: Defender of Trinitarian Theology
Chapter 13 – The Great Cappadocians: Faithful Teachers and Friends
Chapter 14 – Ambrose of Milan: Preaching to the Emperor
Chapter 15 – Jerome: Bible Translator
Chapter 16 – Where Does the Liturgy Come From?
Chapter 17 – John Chrysostom: Golden-Mouthed Preacher
Chapter 18 – Augustine of Hippo: Doctor of the Church
Chapter 19 – Leo I and Gregory I: Influential Popes
Chapter 20 – Benedict of Nursia: Founder of Medieval Monasticism
Chapter 21 – Emperor Justinian: Ally of the Church
Chapter 22 – John of Damascus: Apologist against Islam
Chapter 23 – Where Do Denominations Come From?
Chapter 24 – Anselm of Canterbury: Father of Scholasticism
Chapter 25 – Thomas Aquinas: Reason and Revelation
Chapter 26 – Wycliffe and Hus: Forerunners of the Reformation
Chapter 27 – Martin Luther: Saved by Grace
Chapter 28 – Frederick, Melanchthon, and Chemnitz: Heroes of the Reformation
Chapter 29 – What Is the Book of Concord?
Chapter 30 – Zwingli, Calvin, and the Reformed Tradition
Chapter 31 – Knox, Arminius, and Wesley: Origins of Methodism and Presbyterianism
Chapter 32 – Christianity Comes to America
Chapter 33 – C. F. W. Walther and the Saxon Immigration
Chapter 34 – Confessing the Faith
Praise for Journey Through Church History
“Meet your family…your family of faith! That’s what Christa Petzold does in this wonderfully engaging volume of Christian history. An essential resource for Lutheran families interested in communicating the faith to future generations, she surveys two millennia of Christianity through the lives and times of three dozen Christian leaders from James to the founders of the LCMS. Encouraging critical thinking through Bible study and discussion questions with applications for life, this overview of the Christian Church is invaluable for parents and teachers of grade-schoolers. Readily readable, she occasionally uses important technical theological vocabulary and then gives clear and simple explanations. As a mother, homeschooler, and pastor’s wife, Christa boldly presents “a soft apologetic” for confessional Lutheran children. This is an indispensable resource for all twenty-first century Christian parents and teachers.”
Dr. Timothy Maschke, professor of theology, emeritus, Concordia University Wisconsin
“Root your children in the essentials of their history. In Journey Through Church History, Christa returns all Christians to the roots of our family tree in a way that nourishes and grounds us in the living faith. The history of the Church reminds us that His kingdom endures forever, and since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses we are emboldened to persevere. Parents have the important task of passing down the faith and training their children in resilience. Christa’s curriculum will undoubtedly aid in both.”
Stephanie Neugebauer, pastor’s wife and mom of three
“Journey through Church History provides a useful tool for any Christian school. I wish I could have used this book while I homeschooled my children. Author Christa Petzold has transformed a potentially dry and confusing subject into a clear and fascinating study. She gives familiar names like Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Jerome, Augustine, Luther, and Walther a place on a timeline and helps readers understand their significance to the body of Christ. Even if you are no longer a kid or teaching kids, you will appreciate this lively book on church history.”
Sharla Fritz, author of several titles including Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success and God’s Relentless Love: A Study of Hosea
“Journey through Church History spans James through Walther and today, highlighting individuals we can honor and emulate without pretending they were without faults. A lively, conversational tone guides students through theologically significant concepts, like martyrdom and heresy, and churchly developments, like the creeds and liturgy, with Lutheran discretion and grace. The Leaders Guide offers educators accompanying Bible studies, vocabulary, and review activities to solidify each lesson. Forthright and sensitive, Petzold has written a candid resource to help us raise our children and students in the faith and continuity of the Christian Church. Definitely home- and school-friendly.”
Deaconess Mary J. Moerbe, mother of six, lower school dean and fifth grade teacher at Memorial Lutheran School in Houston, TX, and the founder of LutheranHomeschool.com.
“This may be a children’s book, but its impact will endure far beyond childhood. This is the kind of book I wish I had when my children were younger when they were beginning to learn who they were as Christians. In an increasingly unchurched society, young Christians often grow up and find themselves in an identity crisis. Knowing their (his)story more fully and deeply at an early age can help them know who they are later on. That’s what Christa Petzold sets out to do in this very kid-friendly and incredibly helpful children’s book on Church History. For the first time in a long time, Church History is made accessible to young Christians.”
Dr. Glenn Fluegge, Concordia University Irvine