The Birth and Early Growth of the Christian Church
33 A.D. - 235 A.D.
By Jack Burton
Drive 2 Learn, Inc. - 2002

Reviewed by George Weeaks, MyShelf.Com
Buy the CD at Drive 2 Learn, Inc.

The narrator, Jeff Winter, takes us back (way back) to the early development of the Christian faith and the building of the Church. Step by step, we travel back to the present, covering each and every aspect of the birth and life of the man that was to be the mortal figure of God's power and love - Christ himself. We are given facts that clear up many myths and murky subjects that have been guessed about for centuries.

• In the beginning, followers of Jesus did not call themselves "Christians". Up until around 42 A.D., they were called "followers of Jesus" and/or "Sect of the Nazarene". They called themselves "Believers", "The Faithful", and "Saints". Then the local citizens of Antioch started calling them "Christians", and although it wasn't meant as a compliment, the name soon became the banner that we Christians in these modern times wave as proudly as our nation's flag.
• The very first church had only 3000 people. Now, with there being over 6 billion people on the planet earth, nearly 1/3 of the Earth's population claim to be Christians in some form, and of U.S.'s population, 53% claim to be Christians.

  Throughout this audio book, we are shown the suffering, and the high cost paid by early Christians at the hands of the Roman Empire, Grecian Scholars, some Jewish Leaders, and the public.

  This is an amazing historical account of Christ and his followers up to present day. By using scriptures, historical documents, and other key sources, Burton gives us an outstanding look on Christianity and those who follow its teachings in one way or another. There is so much information on this disc that it takes at least 3 listening sessions to catch all that Burton has given us for the learning.

  Jeff Winter narrates this audio CD with an exceptional talent for being able to clarify the meaning of what is written just by the tone in his voice. His clear, expressive speaking helps to keep the listener "hooked" and listening until the very end.

  I recommend this audio CD for anyone who is interested in the history of Christianity and the Christian Church.