Year: 2010

It’s wise to learn from church history, both the triumphs and the tragedies of those upon whose shoulders we stand. I’ve really liked the church history subjects at college and enjoy reading Christian biographies. Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard recently published The Church ABCs. Here’s the blurb: This book follows the alphabet as it introduces parents and children to twenty-six pillars of the Christian faith. Whimsical, full-colour illustrations and engaging prose teach church history in a fun and creative way.

Each entry includes a short paragraph or two with great illustrations of the person and some of the things they’re well known for. At the end of the book there are longer paragraphs that provide some more background for each of them. The reading level is aimed at 8-12 year olds. But it would be a great book for parents to read with their children (perhaps one entry per night for a month?). Nichols does a good job of explaining some key historical figures, as well as some encouraging gospel content.

Here’s the A to Z lineup: Augustine, Anne Bradstreet, John Calvin, John Donne, Jonathan Edwards, John Foxe, Lady Jane Grey, Hippolytus, Ignatius, Absolom Jones, John Knox, Martin Luther, Monica, John Newton, John Owen, Patrick, Queen Jeanne of Navarre, Bishop Nicholas Ridley, Charles Spurgeon, Tertullian, Zacharias Ursinus, Antonio Vivaldi, John & Charles Wesley, Francis Xavier, Florence Young, Ulrich Zwingli.

There are 9 Johns in the list! That’s crazy. There are probably a disproportionate number of Americans on the list, but that is not to be unexpected from an American author.

Any suggestions for people you’d ditch and someone to replace them on the list?

Get your hands on a copy:

Crossway | Amazon | Booko | Browse the whole book online