Filling in the middle

A Short History of Christianity Stephen Tomkins. Eerdmans, 2005.

As author Stephen Tomkins notes in the introduction to this book, people generally have some knowledge about the beginning and current chapters of the Christian story, but they “tend to be a little hazy about that 2,000-year hiatus in the middle. How on earth did we get from there [Jesus and his disciples] to here [George Bush and Bono and Benedict XVI]?” A Short History of Christianity is his attempt to write a book for people who don’t know the story of Christianity but may “enjoy it” (as odd as that may sound) and to do it in a concise and readable, if not entertaining, manner. As challenging as this task must have been, he was remarkably successful in terms of both education and entertainment.

Stephen Tomkins, a British writer and journalist with a PhD in church history, begins his book at the end of Jesus’ ministry. He takes the reader on a journey through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the stunningly absurd of the Christian story to the present day. One could legitimately argue that because Judaism is the base of Christianity, it should have been the starting point. However, this would have resulted in a much longer book, or one that told the story so inadequately it probably shouldn’t have been written. Even as it is, many things could be given only a “cursory nod or even ignored altogether.”

Menno Simons and the Anabaptists were not, however, left out of the story. They each had their own page or two, as did the pickled parents leading sons into battle (Frederick Barbarossa in a barrel of vinegar; not surprisingly, most troops quit the campaign early) and the people exhumed to stand trial (Pope Formosus by Stephen VI).

The story Tomkins tells easily held my attention and brought me through the full range of the emotional spectrum – from pride and joy (including laughter) to anger and sadness (the Dark Ages are called such for a reason). To the pessimist, it could be read as a history of the ways the church has twisted the gospel, often for less than reputable purposes.

The book could have been improved with at least occasional mention of the church’s humanitarian work. In addition, some people and events seemed to pop up without introduction, which left me wondering how they fit into the rest of the story.

Overall though, I would recommend this book, especially to those who, like me, have only a passing interest in history or to anyone looking for a brief and readable introduction to the Christian story.

Chris Friesen, a member of Jubilee Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, is a graduate student in the Department of Botany at the University of Manitoba.