Turning Points

Praise for previous editions of Turning Points:

"This highly recommended work provides a thoughtful yet comprehensive framework for the history of Christianity."
-George Westerlund, Library Journal

"Noll's treatment of the material is evenhanded, engaging, and illuminating. This will be a useful text for readers seeking a historical framework within which to understand their Christian faith."
-Publishers Weekly

"An informative and inspiring survey of the history of Christianity designed for the general reader. . . . A thoughtful introduction to the two millennia of Christian history."
-Richard V. Pierard, Church History

"In a little more than three hundred pages, Noll has pulled off a historical tour de force, giving his readers a sense of the overall story of Christianity while neither getting bogged down in the details, nor resorting to oversimplification. . . . [This book is] very helpful in introducing beginning students to the broad sweep of historical events. More knowledgeable students will enjoy it as well, as they ponder the reasons for Noll's choices and his assessment of the events he describes. This book belongs in every church library. I also recommend it highly to pastors and other church professionals as a refresher concerning aspects of the Christian past that are still highly relevant to mission and ministry today."
-Donald L. Huber, Trinity Seminary Review

"Mark Noll's survey of key movements in the two millennia of Christianity is well written and judiciously selected. The book is designed for the relative newcomer to church history and would be an interesting read for the oft cited ‘educated person in the pew.'. . . One does have to admire the sweep of the book as an introduction to church history. . . . A fair and interesting historical survey, attempting to do right by all brands of Christians."
-Tim Bradshaw, Themelios

"Turning Points ... will contribute immeasurably to a turning point in the struggle for Christian unity within a principled diversity. As an introduction to the history of Christianity, it is fresh and illuminating. As a criticism of the churches, it is historically sound and scrupulously fair. As a statement of core beliefs, responsibilities, and tasks, it is penetrating and constructive. This book speaks eloquently to Catholics and Eastern Orthodox as readily as it does to Protestants."
-Eugene D. Genovese

"This book majors in what is major, giving the reader a fine sense of what has happened, and it does so with care, precision, and respect for the past, which is Noll's trademark."
-David F. Wells, Distinguished Senior Research Professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"Noll's emphasis on historical significance allows him to range well beyond the institutional and doctrinal matters that dominate traditional church history surveys. . . . A valuable text for church study groups and college-level, one-semester surveys of church history."
-James A. Patterson, Journal of Church and State

"The depth to which Noll's research takes the reader is unmatched. . . . Even the casual reader-or the one who needs a refresher course-quickly enters into the purposes behind the turning points. . . . Reading this book may bring a turning point in your love for church history."
-Robert Hower, Evangelical Journal

"This book is a popular, but never unscholarly, study of important transitions in the history of the Christian Church. Turning Points is the product of a seasoned Christian historian that may be read with profit and delight by any intelligent Christian or by a critical historian. . . . Noll's book is a splendid example of fine scholarship embedded in deep Christian piety. It will profit those seeking continuing education in churches and those who sit in academic classrooms."
-Jacob P. Ellens, Perspectives

"This is a masterful tour of twelve decisive moments in Christian history, utilizing maps, charts, and illustrations."
-ACT3 Review

"I found [Noll's] case for each choice trenchant and sometimes provocative. . . . By the end of [the] book, readers will have firmly established pillars upon which to set a historical frame of reference and general knowledge. . . . [An] excellent starting point for anyone who wants a good, basic overview of church history from the apostolic era to the 20th century."
-Biblical Booklist

"A readable work using an approach that may ‘hook' readers more easily than other surveys. Its novelty, in fact, may attract some who have read other surveys and found them unsatisfying. Certainly it succeeds in introducing readers to the major events in church history, and it excels in demonstrating the connectedness of events and movements."
-Mark Sidwell, Biblical Viewpoint

"This book is by no means only for clergy or the lovers of history. Combined with a study guide, this book allows all readers who begin to understand the rich, if not always pleasant, history that all Christians share. With original texts weaved through the book, readers will have the opportunity to travel through time and experience the voices of our past. This is a valuable text for any who work in the church, want to grow deeper in understanding their faith, or are striving to continue to learn and grow in the path that God is laying before them. Most important however, is that Noll has again reminded us that the church ‘survives by the mercy of God, not because of the wisdom, purity, or consistent faithfulness of Christians.' A lesson well learned in our changing times."
-Mark E. Mast, Reformed Review

"Drawing on his years of teaching experience in and out of the college classroom, Noll has produced a superb work which effectively meets the challenge of introducing the history of Christianity. . . . Of the many books available to the beginner in Church history, Noll's work should be near the top of one's list. He has presented accurately a nearly two-millennia history in a manner both interesting and memorable. . . . Whether you are a beginner or one with a better understanding of Church history, you will enjoy and benefit from time spent with this work."
-Thomas J. Marinello, Emmaus Journal

"Here is a good way to get a handle on the broad sweep of Christian history. . . . A readable, highly compelling history. Recommended."
-Rod Olson, Lutheran Libraries

"This book would be suitable for seminary students or professors, as well as undergraduate students in Christian studies."
-Christian Retailing

"A breezy survey of church history punctuated by dramatic climaxes. This is an immensely enjoyable book. The style is relaxed and accessible, the perspective is balanced."
-Mike Hertenstein, Cornerstone

"[A] refreshing tool for ecumenical reflection. . . . [Noll] has clearly based this book on his work with students. . . . He makes Christian history accessible."
-America

"[This book] makes church history fascinating. It seizes events of prime importance by the scruff of the neck and gets the reader excited about them. Seldom have I enjoyed a book more."
-Charles Somersby, Parish News