As good as the first one, bringing out the debates of the mediaeval church and it's gradual corruption until the eve of Reform. ( )

It is intended that this will be the second in a series of four volumes, which will cover the History of the Church from the earliest days up till modern times. Pastors and preachers will undoubtedly gain much from this series, and those who already have an interest in Church History will find the four books useful additions to their library. Nevertheless, the series is written in a style that will appeal to the non-specialist and any modern Christian will find it challenging and stimulating to be introduced to men and women who loved and served the same Savior that he loves and serves. This volume deals with the Middle Ages, and includes the stories of great missionaries such as Boniface and the brothers Cyril and Methodius, outstanding theologians like Anselm of Canterbury and Gregory Palamas, spiritual giants like Simeon the New Theologian and Bernard of Clairvaux, and 'reformers before the Reformation' like John Wyclif and John Huss.

After reading Part One of N. R. Needham's 2000 Years of Christ's Power, my expectations were high as I finally got around to Part Two which covers the Church in the Middle Ages. As with the first volume of the series, Part Two completely exceeded what I had hoped for in learning about this largely misunderstood period of Christ's Church. Despite the darkness and tragic events for which the Medieval era is known, Needham also proves that Christ never completely abandoned the Church and that many great men of Church history glorified the Saviour in various ways through this period.
Of the many great strengths of this book, I particularly appreciated the opportunity to come away with a better understanding of Eastern Orthodox history and theology -- something only thinly covered in other Church Histories that I've read. Having now completed the first two volumes of Needham's history of the Church, I am eagerly looking forward to the third, and, so far, last volume which covers the Renaissance and Reformation. Hopefully the Lord will eventually bless us with a Part Four from Mr. Needham. ( )