History of Theology I, II and III (Liturgical Press) - any reviews, please?

Marchal

Well, the three volumes on the history of Christian theology are not exactly tarot books, strictly speaking. But I thought the topic might be related (as it is an essential part of Western spirituality) and the three volumes really look good and interesting on Amazon (ISBN 0814659152, 0814659160 and 0814659179).
Unfortunately not too many people seem to own and have read them - I cannot find any reviews in the usual places. And as the three books are not too inexpensive I was wondering whether anybody hear might have read one or more of them and offer an opinion. That would be nice :)
 

Marchal

In case noone knows these books are there any other recommendations for good books on history of Christianity and the Catholic church?
 

conversus

I have not read the works you ask about. I can say that the Liturgical Press has a very long history producing quite reliable scholarly reputable materials. They have been a class-act for decades.

A very good place to start is another three volume work called, appropriately, A History of Christian Thought by a very readable fellow called Justo Gonzalez. Not too technical, but certainly credible. Many topics are covered to some depth, but he writes for the non-specialist. Other topics are given a more survey discussion, but the text will point the interested reader further on.

Not for the faint of heart, but worth every minute, is the magisterial work by Jaroslav Pelikan: The Christian Tradition in 4 somewhat dense volumes. Totally remarkable scholarship and really comprehensive discussion of Eastern and Western points of view. Absolutely marvelous sentences.

Both of these texts are truly essential reading for a balanced view of the development of the Christian Tradition. And, of course, can only be the beginning of a very long love-affair. . .

Peace and every Good:

CED
 

RexMalaki

This one is written by a Catholic insider, but a good starting place:

Eusebius: The Church History


...and for a more open minded history I liked:

From Jesus to Christianity: How Four Generations of Visionaries & Storytellers Created the New Testament and Christian Faith