2000 Years of Amazing Grace by Paul F. M. Zahl

Announcing a new arrival: 2000 Years of Amazing Grace: The Story and Meaning of the Christian Faith by Paul F. M. Zahl.

The following review was written by Myka Kennedy Stephens for Congregational Libraries Today, the bimonthly publication of the Church & Synagogue Library Association. Used with permission. Copyright 2007 by the Church and Synagogue Library Association (www.cslainfo.org).

This lengthy yet compact volume claims to be “The Christianity Primer.” It is written with the new Christian in mind and very easy to read. It is organized chronologically, beginning with the birth of Christ and ending with a brief account of twenty-first century Christianity. Each page includes notes in the margin that summarize the author’s arguments. The book also includes a lengthy appendix of Christian writings throughout history, including Luther’s Preface to the Book of Romans, selected Negro spirituals, and the Barmen Declaration. It also includes two comprehensive indices of subjects and historical figures.

While Zahl’s Anglican evangelical background influences his telling of Christian history, he has attempted to make Christian history accessible to anyone. The result is a book that lacks citations, references and bibliographies. There are many areas of Christian thought that Zahl simplifies for easy reading to the detriment of providing resources for further reading and exploration. Congregational librarians are advised to preview this book before adding it to their collections.
***
Call number: TBA
Request this book now!