John Fletcher Hurst's "A Short History of the Christian Church" provides a concise and informative overview of the development of Christianity from its early beginnings to the present day. Hurst expertly navigates through the complex and often turbulent history of the Christian faith, highlighting key events, figures, and theological developments that have shaped the church over the centuries.

One of the strengths of Hurst's book is its clear and accessible writing style, making it easy for readers of all levels of familiarity with Christian history to follow along. The author does a commendable job of presenting the material in a straightforward and engaging manner, keeping readers engaged and interested throughout.

Another notable aspect of the book is its scope and breadth. Hurst covers a wide range of topics, from the early days of Christianity in the Roman Empire to the Protestant Reformation and beyond. By providing a comprehensive overview of the key movements and moments in Christian history, the author helps readers to better understand the complexities of the faith and the various factors that have influenced its development over time.

Overall, "A Short History of the Christian Church" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of the history of Christianity. Hurst's insightful analysis and engaging writing style make this book a worthwhile read for both scholars and casual readers alike.

Book Description:
"The present work has as its basis the series of five Short Histories by the same author, which appeared in the following order: The Reformation, 1884; The Early Church, 1886; The Medieval Church, 1887; The Modern Church in Europe, 1888; and The Church in the United States, 1890. The five volumes form a connected History of the Church nearly down to the present time."

John Fletcher Hurst was an American bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He wrote the 5 histories as Chautauqua textbooks. The audio files are in the following order:
Part 1: The Early Church
Part 2: The Medieval Church
Part 3: The Reformation
Part 4: The Modern Church in Europe
Part 5: The Church in the United States