The Changing Shape of Church History - Paperback

by Justo Gonzalez (Author)

History is not just about the past -- it is a dialogue between the present and the past, with historians posing questions and receiving answers that depend on their perspectives.

In "The Changing Shape of Church History," renowned theologian Justo Gonzáles listens to voices from centers other than the North Atlantic to help us see a different perspective of church history -- a global story that includes those previously marginalized -- as he offers us a hopeful outlook for the future of world Christianity.

Gonzáles recognizes the field of church history is undergoing significant changes, driven not only by new sources and scholarship but also by the evolving nature of the church and the world. These changes can be found in various areas such as the relationship between pagan and Christian in the early church, the study of gnosticism, analysis of medieval manuscripts, exploration of medieval mystics and heretics, new interpretations of influential figures like Luther, Calvin, and Wesley, and even in obscure topics being researched in dissertations. However, the challenge lies in connecting these cutting-edge areas to ministry in the present-day. "The Changing Shape of Church History" explores the significant changes already underway in the field of church history and their lasting impact.

Author Biography

Justo L. Gonz?lez, a retired member of the R?o Grande Conference of the United Methodist Church, went to college and seminary in Cuba before receiving postgraduate degrees from Yale University. He taught at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico and Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. He played a key part in the founding of the Asociaci?n para la Educaci?n Teol?gica Hispana and of the Hispanic Summer Program. He was also the first executive director of the Hispanic Theological Initiative. Justo has published more than one hundred books, as well as hundreds of articles, and edited the journal Apuntes for twenty years.