I have searched for related threads on PB but have come up dry. What do you think the best (multi-volume) history of Christianity is? I want to read a thorough, extensive work during my break between my Bachlors and seminary, but am unsure what work to study. I am leaning towards Schaff's 8-volume history simply because it is so detailed and is a classic, but are there any other newer works that are just as good or better? (Any newer works that give a lot of focus on the history of theology, particularly?) Any advice would be well appercaited!

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Patrick Arnold
Covenant OPC, Brighton, MI
MA student in philosophy at the University of Michigan

Professor Hoffecker used this for the RTS course.

Everett Ferguson
It was thorough, witty, and well-written.

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J. B. Atken
John Knox PCA
Layman, M.A. student at Louisiana College

I would go with Schaff! It is a classic and well respected!

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~etexas~

This previous thread may be of interest:

Church History Books

There are also a number of church history links that I have posted for reference purposes here.

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Andrew Myers
Husband of Jessica, Father of Jackson, Katie and Samuel
Member, Presbyterian Reformed Church of Northern Virginia
Warrenton, VA USA
Editor, The Matthew Poole Project

"Let your Morning Thoughts, and your last Evening Thoughts, be what shall become of you to all Eternity." -- Matthew Poole

Just a side note on this topic, There is the RTS recording of Dr. Frank James on Church History that I am currently working through. No book necessary and it's a free download audio file. 32 lessons each about 40 minutes long.
I know you are looking for a written work but just in case you are looking for something extra.

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Frank
member/Reformed Baptist Church, NJ
1689 BCF
Technician in NewYork
Titus 2:13
...looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus...

I haven't read this, but it looks good: http://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/history/About.htm

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Caleb
Trinity Baptist Church
Spokane, WA

Both links were helpful, thanks. I am thinking of reading Schaff's History and then supplementing it with Cunningham. Both authors seem to be the "standard" for the history of Christianity and theology. I was also considering the Cambridge history of Christianity, which is around 9 volumes I believe. The only problem is that it is outrageously expensive, especially compared to Scahff's 8 volumes for $75 on monergism!

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Patrick Arnold
Covenant OPC, Brighton, MI
MA student in philosophy at the University of Michigan

or even free on e-sword.

But I do prefer books.

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R.Vic Bottomly
Providence Reformed Baptist Church, Tacoma, WA

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

Same here

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Patrick Arnold
Covenant OPC, Brighton, MI
MA student in philosophy at the University of Michigan

I would also recommend N Needham (click here)

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Independent Reformed Baptist Church (NE England, nr. Durham)

Never heard of him! Definately will have to check him out.

You can't go wrong with Schaff. Very readable. Classic work.

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~ Steven Bradford ~
Member Covenant Presbyterian, Chattanooga, TN

I would recommend the 8-volume series, The Baker History of the Church, written by multiple authors. Here is a link to the first volume: Amazon.com: The Birth of the Church: From Jesus...

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Curt Hayashida
member, Community Bible Church (Non-denominational)
Vallejo, CA

I've heard the Baker History is good--very readable and balanced.

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Patrick Arnold
Covenant OPC, Brighton, MI
MA student in philosophy at the University of Michigan

Needham is readable and enjoyable and you will want you to find out more. I'll give you a refund if you don't like him (well, may be not if there is something wrong with you). You could also check out some audio materials here and here (search 'Needham') and here. For N Needham on the da Vinci Code click here. The author has a PhD. from Edinburgh, is a pastor and is a lecturer of church history (see here).

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Independent Reformed Baptist Church (NE England, nr. Durham)