Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity

Name: Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity
Brand: Baker Publishing Group

by Baker Publishing Group

Religious_studiesGrades 10–12

About This Curriculum

A popular textbook organized around 14 key moments in church history, providing contemporary Christians with a fuller understanding of God as he has revealed his purpose through the centuries.

What makes it unique: Uses a unique 'turning points' approach focusing on decisive moments rather than comprehensive chronological survey, making church history more accessible and manageable for students.

Turning Points: Evangelical Church History Survey with Strong Academic Framework

A semi-scholarly church history textbook by historian Mark Noll that examines Christianity through 14 pivotal moments from 70 A.D. to the 20th century. The curriculum targets high school and college students with accessible narratives, study questions, and discussion materials, though it maintains a clear Protestant evangelical perspective.

Best for

High school and college students in Christian schools or homeschool settings seeking a structured survey of church history from an evangelical Protestant perspective

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Historical ContextStrength

The curriculum excels at providing historical context, with reviewers praising Noll's ability to explain complex political-ecclesiastical dynamics and background information for unfamiliar historical periods.

Reviews note 'good background explanation for readers unfamiliar with historical contexts like the Roman Empire or French Revolution' and praise Chapter 5's summary of 'complex political-ecclesiastical dynamics'

Theological KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum builds systematic theological knowledge through careful analysis of key doctrinal developments and church councils. It provides strong theological context for understanding Christian history.

Reviews highlight coverage of Council of Nicaea, theological developments, and how 'canon, creed, and episcopate served as anchors that stabilized the early church'

Primary Text EngagementConcern

The curriculum does not appear to engage directly with primary religious texts or historical documents. Reviews indicate it relies on Noll's synthesis and interpretation rather than having students read original sources.

Reviews focus on Noll's presentation and analysis but make no mention of primary source engagement, footnotes, or original document excerpts

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes substantial support materials including study questions, discussion guides, footnotes, endnotes, and suggestions for further reading, though specific teacher training is not mentioned.

Reviews note 'Study/discussion questions at the end,' 'overview questions that apply to the entire book, chapter questions that include comprehension and analysis,' and 'footnotes, endnotes, and suggestions for further reading'

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum supports direct instruction with clear presentations and structured content, though it appears designed more for reading and discussion than teacher-led instruction.

Reviews praise 'clear and accessible narratives' and note the book is 'written for students and everyday church members' with study guide questions

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

While the curriculum likely includes theological vocabulary within its content, reviews provide insufficient evidence about explicit vocabulary instruction or systematic terminology development.

Reviews mention theological concepts but do not specifically address vocabulary instruction or terminology building strategies

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, thegospelcoalition.org