Church History Book Favorites

One of the topics I enjoy reading and learning about is church history, including the stories of martyrs—witnesses who gave up everything for the sake of Jesus Christ. Their stories challenge me to live for Jesus and remind me that He is the only One worth living and dying for. As I read of their lives, I ask the question, “Do I love Jesus this much? Is He truly this precious to me?” We don’t know what the future holds, but there’s certainly a possibility that it may hold suffering. Reading of those who suffered for the sake of Christ can help us to put our troubles in perspective. It can also remind us of the truth that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” May you be challenged and encouraged as I have been!

Note: Some of these stories could be disturbing to a tender heart so if you are a younger lady, it may be best to have your mother check these books for you first!

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs by John Foxe—This certainly isn’t light reading (and I don’t recommend reading it before bed)! This Christian classic is full of the stories of those who suffered for Jesus.

The Martyr of the Catacombs—The author of this small book isn’t known, but the story is about believers during the Roman persecution. I’m not sure how historically accurate it is, but this book will make you think! Available from Christian Light Publications.

The Spanish Brothers by Deborah Alcock—This is a fictional story based on the true events of the Spanish reformation and the inquisition. Many real-life characters figure in the story. Since the story was written in the 1800’s, it is a bit wordy (I actually started to read it in the middle and got emotionally involved in the story before going back to read it from the beginning 😊). This story is not graphic, but it is moving and spiritually challenging. This book is available for free on Amazon kindle, or you can buy a hardcopy edition from Lamplighter Publishing. Deborah Alcock also wrote numerous other church history fiction books—all of which are excellent. I would also recommend her book, Tales of Martyr Times, available as a free Amazon e-book.

Highway of Sorrow and In the Hollow of His Hand by Hesba Stretton (a.k.a. Sarah Smith)—Fiction based on the Russian Stundists, believers who were persecuted by the Russian Orthodox church and government in the late 19^th century. Read the books in order—personally, I enjoyed the first book more!

Children of the Storm by Natasha Vins—Natasha is the daughter of Georgi Vins, a Christian pastor in the Soviet Union. During many of Natasha’s growing up years, her father was in prison for his faith. Natasha had to make the choice—would she cast in her lot with the suffering believers? Or, would she pursue the ways of the world? This is a true story and very challenging. It also has much pertinent information about the unregistered Baptist churches of the Soviet Union. Available from JourneyForth (BJU press).

A Small Price to Pay by Harvey Yoder—This is the story of Mikhail, a leader in the unregistered Baptist churches. He was imprisoned for years, but God had a mission for him that was fulfilled even in prison. Although unintentional, much of this book aligns with Children of the Storm. Available from Christian Aid Ministries.

Men of the Covenant by Alexander Smellie—I’ll admit, this enormous book is difficult to find (I have read it through interlibrary loan). But it’s certainly worth a read! While I don’t agree with the Covenanters in much of their theology, there is still so much to be gained by the stories of their courage and commitment to Christ! You’ll read about Samuel Rutherford, Richard Cameron, Margaret Wilson, James Renwick, and many other less known Covenanters.

Bold as a Lamb by Ken Anderson—A true story about the underground church of China, and the biography of Chinese pastor Samuel Lamb, who endured twenty years of imprisonment for his faith in Christ! I have this one as an e-book.

History of the Churches from a Baptist Perspective by David W. Cloud—If you are looking for a textbook- type presentation of church history, you’ll enjoy this volume! It’s available from Way of Life literature and is full of inspiring and sobering information

There are many other books I could recommend, but I think this is a good start! 😊 Happy reading!