Thomas S. Kidd’s Christian History Volume 2 offers a sweeping narrative that covers the pivotal developments in Christian history from the Reformation era to contemporary times. The book delves into the theological, political, and social transformations that have shaped Christianity, particularly focusing on the Protestant Reformation's impact and its aftermath. Kidd’s work is distinguished by its global perspective, highlighting the shift in Christian demographics to the Global South in the modern era.

Chapter 1: The Reformation Begins

Kidd begins by exploring whether the Protestant Reformation was an inevitable event in Christian history. He emphasizes that the Reformation was not just a simple good versus evil battle but rather a complex movement that arose from deep doctrinal and ethical concerns within the Catholic Church. The Reformation gave Christians new opportunities to pursue biblical doctrine and practice, in fuller accord with the great tradition of the church. He also notes the turbulent context of the 14th and 15th centuries, describing it as a time of frightening disruption and intellectual ferment, setting the stage for the dramatic changes to come. Additionally, Kidd points out that the Black Death, which peaked in Europe from 1347 to 1351, had a profound impact on the spiritual and social fabric of Europe, leaving people searching for answers that would later contribute to the Reformation.

Chapter 2: The Reformation: Division and Reaction

This chapter examines the fragmentation within the Reformation itself, highlighting the roles of figures like Philip Melanchthon and Huldrych Zwingli. Kidd discusses how Luther’s movement led to significant theological divisions, even among those who supported reform. Luther became more rigid as he aged, and this rigidity contributed to the hardening of lines between different reformist factions. The chapter also touches on Luther’s troubling anti-Jewish rhetoric in his later years, which Kidd contextualizes within the broader scope of his life and physical suffering. Furthermore, Kidd highlights that the Reformation, despite its noble intentions, also led to unintended consequences, including the rise of religious conflicts that would ravage Europe for centuries.

Chapter 3: The Catholic Reformation

Kidd shifts focus to the Catholic response to the Protestant Reformation, detailing the efforts of the Catholic Church to reform itself internally. He highlights the importance of the Council of Trent, which consolidated the Catholic Church’s doctrine and discipline, setting the course for centuries to come. Kidd also discusses the rise of new religious orders, like the Jesuits, who played crucial roles in revitalizing Catholic spirituality and education. He notes that the Catholic Reformation was not merely a reaction to Protestantism but a genuine effort to address long-standing issues within the church and to renew its spiritual vitality.

Chapter 4: Reform in the British Isles

This chapter focuses on the unique trajectory of the Reformation in the British Isles, particularly in England and Scotland. Kidd discusses the political and religious tensions that shaped the English Reformation, noting the pivotal role of figures like Henry VIII and Thomas Cranmer. He also explores the Scottish Reformation, driven by John Knox, and its lasting impact on Scottish religious life. Kidd adds that the Reformation in the British Isles was marked by a complex interplay of religious and political motives, leading to a distinctive path of reform that differed from continental Europe.

Chapter 5: The Fate of the Reformation into the 1600s

Kidd examines the continuation of Reformation ideas into the 17th century, noting the spread of Protestantism across Europe and its entanglement with political conflicts. He discusses the Thirty Years’ War as a critical moment in the history of European Protestantism, describing it as a conflict that devastated much of central Europe and left a lasting legacy on the continent. Additionally, Kidd reflects on how the Reformation’s theological debates were often intertwined with political power struggles, complicating the pursuit of religious truth.

Chapter 6: The English Civil War, Pietism, and the Early Enlightenment

This chapter explores the intersection of religious and political upheaval in 17th-century England, with a focus on the English Civil War and the rise of Pietism. Kidd describes Pietism as a movement that emphasized personal devotion and holiness, challenging the more formalistic practices of established churches. He also touches on the early Enlightenment’s impact on Christian thought, particularly the challenges it posed to traditional beliefs. Kidd observes that the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and skepticism prompted Christians to reconsider the foundations of their faith, leading to both renewal and conflict.

Chapter 7: New World Colonies

Kidd provides an overview of the spread of Christianity to the New World, focusing on the establishment of colonies in North and South America. He highlights the role of missionary efforts and the complex interactions between European settlers and indigenous populations. The New World offered both challenges and opportunities for European Christians, who sought to convert native populations while also grappling with the moral implications of colonization. Kidd also notes that the encounter between European Christianity and indigenous cultures led to both cultural exchanges and significant conflicts, shaping the future of the Americas.

Chapter 8: Skepticism, Devotion, and the Enlightenment

This chapter delves deeper into the Enlightenment’s impact on Christianity, discussing the rise of skepticism and the counter-movement of devotion. Kidd notes that while the Enlightenment brought new challenges to Christian orthodoxy, it also sparked a revival of religious fervor in certain quarters. The Enlightenment was a double-edged sword for Christianity, undermining traditional beliefs while also inspiring new forms of religious expression. Kidd further explains that the tension between faith and reason during the Enlightenment period led to a re-examination of core Christian doctrines and practices, influencing the course of modern theology.

Chapter 9: The Early Evangelical Movement

Kidd traces the origins of the evangelical movement in the 18th century, highlighting key figures like John Wesley and George Whitefield. He emphasizes the movement’s focus on personal conversion and the spread of the gospel, which led to significant growth in Christian communities across the Atlantic world. The evangelical movement was marked by its fervent preaching and its emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ, setting the stage for modern evangelicalism. Kidd also notes that the early evangelical movement played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual landscape of the 18th century, bringing renewed energy and focus to Christian missions.

Chapter 10: A Transatlantic Revival

In this chapter, Kidd explores the transatlantic nature of the evangelical revival, focusing on the exchange of ideas and influences between Europe and America. He describes the revival as a dynamic movement that crossed national and cultural boundaries, bringing new life to Christian communities on both sides of the Atlantic. Kidd also highlights that the transatlantic connections forged during this period would have a lasting impact on the global spread of evangelicalism, creating a shared sense of purpose among believers.

Chapter 11: A Vibrant and Contested Awakening

Kidd examines the Great Awakening in America, noting its profound impact on American religious life. He discusses the controversies that arose during the revival, particularly regarding the emotionalism and individualism it encouraged. The Great Awakening was a time of both spiritual renewal and intense debate, as Christians grappled with the implications of the revival for church authority and social order. Kidd also observes that the Great Awakening’s emphasis on personal religious experience challenged traditional ecclesiastical structures, leading to a more democratized form of Christianity.

Chapter 12: Faith and the Age of Revolutions

This chapter explores the relationship between Christianity and the revolutionary movements of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including the American and French Revolutions. Kidd notes that while some Christians supported these revolutions, others viewed them with suspicion or outright hostility. The age of revolutions posed new challenges for Christians, forcing them to rethink their relationship with political power and social change. Kidd also emphasizes that the revolutionary era led to significant shifts in the way Christians understood their role in society, particularly in the context of emerging democratic ideals.

Chapter 13: Protestants and New Global Missions

Kidd highlights the expansion of Protestant missionary efforts in the 19th century, particularly in Africa and Asia. He emphasizes the role of missionaries in spreading Christianity and their impact on global cultures. Protestant missions played a crucial role in the global spread of Christianity, bringing the gospel to new regions while also sparking debates about cultural imperialism and adaptation. Kidd also notes that the missionary movement was often driven by a sense of urgency and conviction, reflecting the belief that the spread of Christianity was a divine mandate.

Chapter 14: The Second Great Awakening and a Growing Christian World

This chapter covers the Second Great Awakening in America and its influence on the broader Christian world. Kidd discusses the revival’s impact on social reform movements, including abolitionism and temperance. The Second Great Awakening was not just a religious revival but also a catalyst for social change, inspiring Christians to take action on a range of issues. Kidd further notes that the revival’s emphasis on moral reform and personal piety had far-reaching effects, shaping the direction of American Christianity for generations.

Chapter 15: A New Era of Theological Change and Moral Reform

Kidd examines the theological innovations of the 19th century, focusing on movements like liberal theology and the Social Gospel. He also discusses the ongoing debates over morality and social reform within Christian communities. The 19th century was a time of theological experimentation and moral questioning, as Christians sought to reconcile their faith with the challenges of modernity. Kidd also points out that these theological shifts were often met with resistance, as more traditional believers sought to defend the core doctrines of their faith against perceived threats.

Chapter 16: Missionaries, the Benevolent Empire, and Global Christian Growth

This chapter explores the role of missionaries in the expansion of Christianity, particularly in the context of Western imperialism. Kidd discusses the concept of the Benevolent Empire and its implications for global Christian growth. Missionaries were often at the forefront of both spreading the gospel and promoting Western values, leading to complex legacies in the regions they served. Kidd further explains that the interactions between missionaries and local cultures were often fraught with tension, as the imposition of Western norms sometimes clashed with indigenous traditions.

Chapter 17: The Age of Societies

Kidd discusses the rise of Christian societies and organizations in the 19th century, noting their role in promoting missions, education, and social reform. He describes this period as an age of organization and activism, as Christians sought to mobilize their resources for the advancement of the gospel and the betterment of society. Kidd also highlights that these societies often played a key role in shaping public discourse and influencing political agendas, particularly in the areas of education and social justice.

Chapter 18: An Era of Theological Innovation

This chapter focuses on the theological developments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the rise of modernism and fundamentalism. Kidd explores the tensions between these movements and their impact on Christian communities. Theological innovation was both a source of vitality and division in this era, as Christians grappled with new ideas and sought to defend their faith against perceived threats. Kidd further notes that the debates between modernists and fundamentalists would leave a lasting mark on Christian institutions, leading to schisms and the formation of new denominations.

Chapter 19: Christians and the “Heinous Sin” of Slavery

Kidd addresses the role of Christianity in the debate over slavery, particularly in the American context. He highlights the conflicting views within Christian communities and the impact of abolitionist movements. The issue of slavery was a moral and theological battleground for Christians, revealing deep divisions within the church over questions of justice and human dignity. Kidd also observes that the struggle over slavery was not just a political issue but a profound spiritual crisis that forced Christians to confront the ethical implications of their faith.

Chapter 20: A New Era of Biblical Criticism

This chapter examines the rise of biblical criticism in the 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on its impact on Christian theology and biblical interpretation. Kidd notes that biblical criticism posed significant challenges to traditional views of Scripture, leading to both controversy and new approaches to understanding the Bible. He also emphasizes that the development of higher criticism opened up new avenues for scholarly inquiry but also sparked intense debates over the authority and reliability of the biblical text.

Chapter 21: Sources of Christian Recovery and Renewal

Kidd discusses the various movements of Christian recovery and renewal in the 20th century, including the rise of Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement. He emphasizes the role of these movements in revitalizing Christian communities around the world. Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement brought a new emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, leading to dynamic forms of worship and evangelism. Kidd further notes that these movements reflected a broader trend of seeking spiritual renewal in a rapidly changing world, offering hope and vitality to many believers.

Chapter 22: Revival, Revivalists, and the Coming of Pentecostalism

This chapter explores the influence of revivalists and the emergence of Pentecostalism in the early 20th century. Kidd highlights the key figures and events that shaped this movement, noting that the Pentecostal revival was marked by an intense focus on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and healing, which distinguished it from earlier evangelical movements. He also observes that the rise of Pentecostalism reflected a deep yearning for a more experiential and immediate connection with the divine.

Chapter 23: Theological Divisions and the Era of the World Wars

Kidd examines the theological and ecclesiastical divisions that emerged during the era of the World Wars, focusing on the impact of global conflict on Christian thought and practice. He notes that the devastation of the World Wars led to a crisis of faith for many Christians, prompting both a reevaluation of traditional beliefs and a search for new theological frameworks. Kidd also highlights that the interwar period was marked by a growing tension between liberal and conservative forces within the church, leading to further fragmentation.

Chapter 24: Resistance and Realism in the Mid-Twentieth Century

This chapter discusses the responses of Christian communities to the challenges of the mid-20th century, including the rise of totalitarian regimes and the Cold War. Kidd emphasizes the role of Christian resistance movements and the development of a more realistic approach to theology. In the face of overwhelming political and social challenges, many Christians turned to a theology of realism, seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. Kidd also notes that the mid-20th century saw the emergence of influential Christian leaders who sought to balance spiritual convictions with pragmatic engagement in public life.

Chapter 25: Global Christian Growth in the Age of Billy Graham

Kidd explores the remarkable global growth of Christianity in the latter half of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the influence of Billy Graham. He notes that Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusades reached millions of people around the world, helping to spread evangelical Christianity to new regions and cultures. Kidd also highlights that the post-war era was a time of unprecedented expansion for Christianity, particularly in the Global South, where vibrant new expressions of faith emerged.

Chapter 26: Civil Rights, Liberation Theology, and Culture War

This chapter examines the intersection of Christianity with social justice movements, particularly in the context of the American Civil Rights Movement and Liberation Theology in Latin America. Kidd discusses the role of Christian leaders in advocating for social change and the ensuing culture wars. The Civil Rights Movement and Liberation Theology represented a radical reimagining of Christian ethics, challenging traditional power structures and calling for a more just and equitable society. Kidd also notes that these movements sparked significant debate within Christian communities, leading to both support and opposition from various quarters.

Chapter 27: Theological Conflict and a New Global Church

Kidd discusses the theological conflicts that have shaped the modern church, including debates over issues such as gender, sexuality, and authority. He notes that the late 20th and early 21st centuries have been marked by intense theological debates, as Christians grapple with rapidly changing cultural norms and the implications for church doctrine and practice. Kidd also emphasizes that the rise of a new global church, particularly in the Global South, has added new voices and perspectives to these debates, reshaping the landscape of global Christianity.

Chapter 28: Global Churches Facing the Future

In the final chapter, Kidd reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing the global church in the 21st century. He discusses the ongoing shifts in Christian demographics, the impact of globalization, and the future of Christian missions. The global church is at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges but also extraordinary opportunities for growth and renewal. Kidd also notes that the future of Christianity will likely be shaped by the dynamic and diverse expressions of faith emerging from the Global South, offering new hope and vitality to the global body of Christ.

Who Should Read This Book?
The book is also accessible to laypeople who have a strong interest in how historical events have shaped modern Christianity. Kidd's balanced treatment of various theological perspectives makes it an informative read for those who want to understand the diversity within the Christian tradition.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Christian History Volume 2 to anyone within these groups. Kidd’s ability to present a vast amount of information in a clear and engaging manner makes this book both informative and enjoyable to read. His balanced approach to the often contentious issues within Christian history allows readers to appreciate the complexities of the past without being overwhelmed by academic jargon.