Best History of Christianity Books of 2025

Israel: Beauty, Light, and Luxury is an illustrated Bible devotional with 350 vibrant photos of the Holy Land today, including its features, flora, and people. Tara-Leigh Cobble, the creator of The Bible Recap, pairs rich devotionals with gorgeous photos of Israel, taking readers on an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. The book offers a unique perspective on Israel, showcasing its beauty and thriving landscapes that go beyond the deserts and ruins. The author's personal experience and knowledge of the country add depth to the book, making it a valuable resource for readers seeking to connect with biblical stories and truth.

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 Majestic Rose Nouveau Bible Tabs Set from Ellie Claire Gifts is an excellent addition to those who carry their Bible with a sense of style. The set includes 72 pink foil-edged tabs for Bibles ranging from 7 to 12 inches. The tabs are printed on both sides and come with a quick and easy placement guide. The compact 3.25" x 6.25" package can either hang on a hook or stand on a counter. The Rose Nouveau Floral background pattern with pink edges provides a visually pleasing way to find favorite Scriptures. The set includes Old and New Testament tabs, special notation tabs, and a Life Verse tab. Overall, this set is a beautiful and practical way to enhance one's Bible reading experience.

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.

The Habsburg Way: 7 Rules for Turbulent Times takes readers on a journey through the lives of the esteemed members of the Habsburg family. Written by Eduard Habsburg, a member of the family and archduke of Austria, this book provides insights into the Seven Principles at the root of Habsburg thought, action, politics, and family life. From stable marriages to happy family life, readers will learn the secrets to living in peaceful prosperity and growing in holiness. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in European history and the lessons that can be learned from one of the most renowned families in history.

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 NRSVCE, Illustrated Catholic Bible is a beautifully crafted Bible that is perfect for those who want to experience the Scriptures in an exciting way. This devotional Bible features 513 exquisite woodcut illustrations from a 16th-century Venetian Bible and is printed in the elegant and exclusive Catholic Comfort Print®. Each art rendering is linked to a passage of Scripture to guide the reader in reflecting on the passage. The Bible also contains the complete Catholic canon printed on single-column pages for easy reading. The durable Smyth-sewn binding lays flat in your hand or on your desk, and the high-quality Bible paper improves readability. Overall, this is a highly recommended Bible for personal spiritual formation and in the academy.