History was one of my favorite subjects in High School. I enjoy learning stories of the past and often use my spare time researching historical facts. But lately, I have been particularly fascinated with Church history. So when I discovered 5 Minutes in Church History by Stephen J. Nichols, I was delighted.
About the author
“Dr. Stephen J. Nichols is president of Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Florida, and chief academic officer and a teaching fellow for Ligonier Ministries. He earned his Ph. D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and West Theological Seminary. Dr. Nichols is a prolific writer who has written, contributed to, or edited more than twenty books on church history, biblical doctrine, and practical theology.”
About the book
As the title implies, 5 Minutes in Church History is about the history of the Church. It originated from the popular podcast with the same name, and the chapters are an adaptation of the episodes.
The book is divided into four main periods: the early Church, the middle ages, the reformation, and the modern age. Each section features a blend of figures, artifacts, events, and even locations that left an indelible mark in the history of the Church. There are 40 chapters in total, and each one is like a snapshot of a specific time in history and takes about five minutes to read.
My thoughts
The main strength of 5 Minutes in Church History is its unique approach. As the author said in the preface, the book is like a collection of postcards from different eras. Rather than giving us Church history in one large meal, Dr. Nichols presented it in snack bites. And it made it more accessible and easier to read.
However, this approach might also be a drawback for people like me who got really interested in a story and wished the chapters had more information. I would have preferred reading a more cohesive history of the Church rather than some snapshots here and there. The unrelated stories work well with a podcast, but not so much for a book.
Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It was interesting, well written, informative, and gave me a thirst to learn more. I have already subscribed to the podcast, and I am eyeing a couple of other Church history books to keep learning.
My Recommendation
I recommend it to all Christian because, as Dr. Nichols said, Church history is our family history. And it’s essential that all believers learn the story of our faith and how God preserved it throughout the ages despite staunch opposition.
If you get anxious at the idea of a history book, because you have been traumatized by boring lectures in school, do not fear. 5 minutes in Church History is anything but boring; it’s a delightful and inspiring read about our God and His faithfulness.
Moreover, it is written in such a way that anyone can easily read it. I also recommend listening to the podcast.
Reformation Trust Publishing graciously gave me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
