Book Review: The Church that Christ Built
Author: John Legg, Publisher: Evangelical Press, Length: 349 pages
Previously published as The Footsteps of God in 1986, this 20th anniversary second edition seeks to provide encouragement from the past for today’s church. In sixteen chapter (each about twenty pages long) John Legg surveys the history of the church of Jesus Christ focusing on the main events in church history. While the book will not win any prizes for originality, nevertheless, it is a very readable introduction to church history for non-specialists, and even more seasoned campaigners will have their memory’s refreshed by this pleasant overview. Moreover, the author provides the reader with a helpful appendix on the uses and abuses of church history, which includes wise and balanced advice to help us to profitably learn from the past. Furthermore, Mr. Legg is not afraid to criticise individuals and groups when they were wrong, something that other Christian historians have failed to do adequately. However, one would disagree with his judgement on Calvin’s role in the execution of Servetus (the obstinate heretic who denied the Trinity); while the method of execution (burning at the stake) was perhaps not the most humane, nevertheless, the death penalty is the only punishment suitable for such an idolater (Deut. 13). In summary, Mr. Legg has provided us with a concise, attractively written and easily read overview of the history of Christ’s church which deserves wide circulation. For those interested in further study, the author has suggested some additional reading at the end of each chapter.
Rating: 8/10
