You are to select a book from the list of “Recommended Resources” in the course syllabus (section III), read it, and write a review of 700—1,000 words. The review should be modeled after Keith E. Johnson’s review of Cyril of Alexandria’s Trinitarian Theology of Scripture in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (JETS) 58, no. 1 (March 2015): 214—18. This review can be accessed here through the Jerry Falwell Library. Note that the book review should not have a title page or a bibliography page. The publication data, single spaced, as shown below should appear at the top of page 1.

QUESTION

Book Critique Instructions

You are to select a book from the list of “Recommended Resources” in the course syllabus (section III), read it, and write a review of 700—1,000 words. The review should be modeled after Keith E. Johnson’s review of Cyril of Alexandria’s Trinitarian Theology of Scripture in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (JETS) 58, no. 1 (March 2015): 214—18. This review can be accessed here through the Jerry Falwell Library. Note that the book review should not have a title page or a bibliography page. The publication data, single spaced, as shown below should appear at the top of page 1.

Parade of Faith: A Biographical History of the Christian Church. By Ruth A. Tucker. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011, 497 pp., $39.99.

Your name, city, and school should appear at the end of the paper, flush right. The body of the review should be double spaced. All text should be 12 point Times New Roman font. There should be no footnotes. All citations, even of outside sources (if you use them), should be parenthetical, just as they appear in the example. Page numbers should appear in the top right hand corner of the paper.

The body of the review should consist of an introductory paragraph in which you give (1) the author’s thesis or theme for the book and (2) your thesis statement regarding the purpose of the book review. The review should then contain a brief summary of the contents of the book, followed by a more extensive critique of the book’s strengths and weaknesses. You should look for two (2) significant strengths and two (2) significant weaknesses to the book. These strengths and weaknesses must be based on the simple question, “does the author adequately support and defend his/her thesis?” What parts of his/her argument build his thesis and support it? What are weaknesses that pose a problem for his/her thesis? Avoid the use of the first person (I, we, us, etc.) in your review. This is generally not acceptable in academic writing. Also avoid the use of contractions (don’t, isn’t, it’s) and archaic and British spellings (amongst, regards, towards).

ANSWER

Parade of Faith: A Biographical History of the Christian Church – Book Review

Parade of Faith

A Biographical History of the Christian Church by Ruth A. Tucker is a comprehensive exploration of the history of Christianity through the biographies of key figures. In this book review, the purpose is to critically analyze the author’s thesis and evaluate the book’s strengths and weaknesses.

Tucker’s thesis for Parade of Faith is to provide readers with a nuanced understanding of Christian history by presenting the biographies of influential individuals who shaped the development of the Christian Church. The book aims to highlight the diverse perspectives, struggles, and achievements of these figures, ultimately shedding light on the rich tapestry of Christianity.

The purpose of this review is to assess whether Tucker adequately supports and defends her thesis in Parade of Faith. Through a careful examination of the contents, strengths, and weaknesses of the book, this review aims to provide an objective evaluation of its effectiveness in achieving its stated goals.

Parade of Faith begins with an introductory section that sets the stage for the subsequent biographical accounts. Tucker skillfully provides historical context and an overview of the major periods in Christian history (Parade of Faith: A Biographical History of the Christian Church: Tucker, Ruth a.: 9780310525141: Amazon.com: Books, n.d.). This foundation enables readers to grasp the significance of the individuals and events discussed throughout the book. The author’s meticulous research is evident in the depth of information presented, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each figure’s contributions.

One of the notable strengths of Parade of Faith is Tucker’s ability to bring historical figures to life through her engaging writing style. She successfully combines factual information with vivid storytelling, making the book accessible to both scholars and general readers. Each biography is presented in a captivating manner, capturing the essence of the person and their impact on Christian history (Parade of Faith: A Biographical History of the Christian Church: Tucker, Ruth a.: 9780310525141: Amazon.com: Books, n.d.-b). Tucker’s narrative approach adds depth and humanity to the book, allowing readers to connect with the subjects on a personal level.

Another strength of Parade of Faith is Tucker’s commitment to inclusivity. The book covers the biographies of men and women from various cultural backgrounds and denominations, providing a more comprehensive representation of the Christian Church’s history (Extraordinary Women of Christian History: What We Can L. . ., n.d.). This inclusivity helps readers recognize the diversity within Christianity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the contributions of individuals from different walks of life.

However, Parade of Faith also exhibits a few weaknesses that detract from its overall impact. While Tucker excels at storytelling, at times, the narrative can overshadow the analysis and critical evaluation of the figures and their significance (Cox, 2022). The book occasionally lacks in-depth exploration of the broader historical and theological implications of the biographies presented. A more rigorous analysis of the impact of these individuals on the development of Christian theology and practice would have enhanced the book’s scholarly value.

Additionally, the sheer volume of biographies covered in Parade of Faith could be overwhelming for some readers. The book spans nearly 500 pages, and while it provides a comprehensive overview of Christian history, it might have benefited from a more focused selection of biographies. This could have allowed for a deeper examination of the chosen figures and their lasting influence on the Christian Church.

In conclusion, Parade of Faith by Ruth A. Tucker offers a valuable contribution to the study of Christian history through its biographical approach. Tucker effectively supports her thesis by providing engaging narratives and showcasing the diversity of influential figures within the Christian tradition. However, the book could have benefited from a stronger emphasis on analysis and critical evaluation. Additionally, the extensive coverage of biographies may be overwhelming for some readers. Despite these weaknesses, Parade of Faith remains an informative and accessible resource for those interested in exploring the multifaceted history of the Christian Church.

References

Cox, T. (2022). European Capitals of Culture: Success Strategies and Long-term Effects. www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/88327496/European_Capitals_of_Culture_Success_Strategies_and_Long_term_Effects?f_ri=1125 

Extraordinary Women of Christian History: What We Can L. . .. (n.d.). Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/26266652

Parade of Faith: A Biographical History of the Christian Church: Tucker, Ruth A.: 9780310525141: Amazon.com: Books. (n.d.). https://www.amazon.com/Parade-Faith-Biographical-History-Christian/dp/0310525144