Why Study the Past?: The Quest for the Historical Church

Christianity Today, Award of Merit, History/Biography (2006)

The well-worn saying about being condemned to repeat the history we do not know applies to church history as much as to any other area of history. But how can we discern what lessons we need to learn from the many centuries of church history?

In this small but thoughtful volume, respected theologian and churchman Rowan Williams opens up a theological approach to history, an approach that is both nonpartisan and relevant to the church's present needs. As he reflects on how we consider the past in general, Williams suggests that church history remains important not so much for winning arguments as for clarifying who we are as time-bound human beings. Williams particularly addresses North American readers in his new preface to this perennially timely invitation to remember who we are.

About the Author

Rowan Williams served as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012 and is now Master of Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. His many other books include The Lion's World: A Journey into the Heart of Narnia, Tokens of Trust: An Introduction to Christian Belief, and Being Christian: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer.