Urban Legends of Church History: 40 Common Misconceptions

Urban Legends of Church History surveys forty of the most commonly misunderstood events of church history from the period of the early church through the modern age. While these ?urban legends? sometimes arise out of falsehood or fabrication, they are often the product of an exaggerated recounting of actual historical events. With a pastoral tone and helpful explanations, authors John Adair and Michael Svigel tackle legendary misconceptions, such as the early church worshiping on Saturday and the unbroken chain of apostolic succession. Urban Legends of Church History will correct misunderstandings of key events in church history and guide readers in applying principles that have characterized the Christian church since the first century.   Review ?In this book John Adair and Michael J. Svigel have gone on a church history myth-busting rampage like a bull in a China shop. Whether it is secular conspiracy theories or pious prejudices, they expose the fake news about church history. The whole book is one big, ?Well, actually, no, that ain?t true, what really happened was . . .? This book is a great cure for a whole lot of stupid. Mandatory reading for anyone beginning church history!? -Michael F. Bird, academic dean, lecturer in theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia   ?Busting myths and misinformation with wit, wisdom, and goodwill, Adair and Svigel have done a great service to the church with their Urban Legends of Church History. From their extensive knowledge and with helpful illustrations, the authors deliver a clear explanation of key moments and topics throughout church history. The authors? goals are not merely to expose legends, but to apply history?s lessons today for the sake of Christian unity and the health of the church. Every pastor and teacher should have this book on their shelf.? -Lynn H. Cohick, provost and dean, professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary    ?As an orthodox, Protestant, evangelical Christian, I believe there has never been a more important time to know church history than right now. In Urban Legends of Church History, John Adair and Michael Svigel offer gentle and straightforward responses to some of the most important misconceptions, half-truths, and fallacies throughout the history of the church. For too long, these urban legends have shaped our Christian culture.? -Kyle D. DiRoberts, associate professor of biblical and theological studies, Arizona Christian University   ?This volume bears witness to the fact that, if things are repeated long enough, if they are found in copious footnotes in worthy publications, and if they were written by trustworthy spokespersons, they will make it into the world of repeatable ?truths.? Such is the point of this well-written, well-documented book. Myths make for more exciting stories, we suppose, but they do little service in accurately representing reality. I highly recommend this work, written by two competent scholars, who believed the unvarnished story of our Lord?s church is far more beautiful than fabrications. The examples employed to demonstrate what we have all experienced when we found what we thought was, yet was not, are extremely instructive and revealing. It deserves a serious read by anyone concerned with re-presenting the past so as to understand our present and live in hope for our tomorrows.? -John D. Hannah, research professor of theological studies and distinguished professor of historical theology, Dallas Theological Seminary   ?Adair and Svigel have ventured forth upon a quest-to slay the dragon of popular misconception. This is no fool?s errand. Armed with sharp and incisive acumen, they jab at fallacies and slice through fabrications. They summon readers to face evidences and to feel the force of arguments. Those who do so bravely are sure to learn from the adventure.? -Paul A. Hartog, professor of theology, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary   ?Urban legends can frequently entertain or amu