Renewing God's People: A Concise History of Churches of Christ

About the 2006 edition: Good general history of the Church of Christ side of the Restoration Movement that challenges the readers to rethink "doctrines" that have been culturally influenced. However, there are some disadvantages. Its brief overview of the Early Church to the Protestant Reformation classically blames political government only rather than church leaders for the church's direction. It also doesn't admit the likelihood that the time gap between the First Century Church and the present requires a different outlook on the Second Coming but instead criticizes the movement's founders for holding "different" views.

"Did Churches of Christ really begin as a unity movement? Why didn't I know that?" "You mean we used to be called Disciples of Christ? I thought that was just another denomination." "Churches of Christ today believe and practice the same things we have from the beginning, don't we?" Statements like these by members of the Churches of Christ reflect a serious lack of knowledge of our past and an increasing desire by many to know more of their heritage. That desire has led us to believe there is a need for a brief account of the history of Churces of Christ. This book hopes to serve newcomers and even long-time members of the church by giving them insights into our heritage. It also is an introduction to this significant group of churches for those unfamiliar with its place in American Christianity. However, any attempt to look at one's spiritual ancestry is as pleasurable and painful as examining ones family tree. Some ancestors and family stories make us swell with pride; others we would just as soon forget. We are two insiders to Churches of Christ writing with a deep appreciation for those who have gone before us. We would in no way bash the church of our mothers and fathers. But as honest historians, we must present our story as we see it, "warts and all." --- excerpt from book's Preface