Best Christian Church History Books of 2025

Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation by Jon Ward is a memoir that explores the author's two decades inside and outside the evangelical Christian bubble. Ward sheds light on the troubling political and cultural dimensions of the movement and how it lost its witness by becoming politically captive. With raw honesty and deep insight, he calls those inside and outside conservative Christian circles to embrace truth, complexity, and nuance. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the health of the church and its impact on American life.

The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover: Ancient Christianity Speaks to Today's World is the first-ever study Bible that presents the Bible of the early church and the church of the early Bible. This resource Bible offers commentary from the ancient Christian perspective that speaks to those Christians who seek a deeper experience of the roots of their faith. It features the Old Testament newly translated from the Greek text of the Septuagint, including the Deuterocanon, and the New Testament from the New King James Version. The book also includes liturgical readings, book introductions, and outlines, subject index, full-color icons, full-color maps, and 9.5 point type size. Overall, it is an excellent resource for scholars and anyone interested in ancient Christianity.

The King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is an outstanding resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. With over half-a-million words of commentary, study aids, and archaeological insights, this Bible provides a comprehensive study experience. The full-color design, Holy Land images, and classic works of art make it a visually stunning addition to any collection. The book introductions, outlines, and study notes provide important background information and content overviews. This is a must-have for anyone seeking to grow in their biblical knowledge.

The Gospel on the Ground is an engaging Bible study book by Kristi McLelland that explores the life of the early church in the book of Acts. The book comes with access to seven teaching videos and leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups. McLelland, a speaker, teacher, and college professor, offers a fresh perspective on familiar Bible stories and shows how God's redemptive purposes are unstoppable. This book is perfect for anyone seeking deeper insight into the biblical world and a passion to be on mission.

The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, edited by Marvin Meyer, is a comprehensive and up-to-date English-language edition of Gnostic manuscripts discovered in Egypt in 1945. This one-volume book includes the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the recently found Gospel of Judas, among other Gnostic gospels and sacred texts. The book also features introductory essays, notes, tables, a glossary, and an index to help readers understand the context and significance of these texts. This book is an essential read for those interested in early Christianity and ancient thought.

Revelations by Xavier Reyes-Ayral is a thought-provoking book that delves into the messages of different messengers across time and continents, all echoing the same message of admonition and calling for mankind's conversion. The author sheds light on the secrets of La Salette, Fatima, Garabandal, and other apparition sites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, warning of an imminent cataclysmic global disaster. The book proposes unveiling the light and responding to the call of a warm and loving mother who seeks the salvation of her children. This book is a unique and informative read for anyone interested in Marian apparition sites and their messages.

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle is a collection of essays based on his 20 years of experience running a gang-intervention program in Los Angeles. Boyle's parables inspired by faith offer a stirring look at how full our lives could be if we could find joy in loving others and being loved unconditionally. He approaches each person as a child of God deserving of love and compassion. This book is a moving example of the power of unconditional love and the importance of fighting despair. It is a spiritual masterpiece and a classic of both urban reportage and contemporary spirituality.

Armageddon: What the Bible Really Says about the End is a thought-provoking book that challenges popular beliefs about the Apocalypse. Written by acclaimed New Testament authority Bart D. Ehrman, the book explores the social and political consequences of expecting an imminent apocalypse and offers insights into how to live our lives in the face of an uncertain future. Ehrman's lucid and compelling writing style makes this book an essential read for those interested in the history of early Christianity and the Judeo-Christian thinking about the end of the world.

Dominion is a captivating exploration of how Christianity has influenced Western civilization for the past two millennia. Author Tom Holland argues that the Christian faith has shaped our morals, ethics, and even our language. He provides vivid vignettes and gruesome details of Christian history while emphasizing the religion's enduring influence on modern society. The book is well-researched and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Christian church history. Overall, Dominion is a fascinating and unique account of how Christianity has transformed the world.

The NKJV, MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition, Leathersoft, Brown, Comfort Print is an exceptional study Bible that provides access to over 50 years of ministry by Dr. John MacArthur. With verse-by-verse study notes, book introductions, and articles, this Bible displays an unparalleled commitment to interpretive precision. The NKJV remains the bestselling modern "word-for-word" translation, balancing the literary beauty and familiarity of the King James tradition with an extraordinary commitment to preserving the grammar and structure of the underlying biblical languages. This Bible is perfect for serious study, devotional use, and reading aloud.