Christian History's Fifth
We almost overlooked an important milestone!
Dear Friend of Christian History,
Have you ever missed an important anniversary? Well, we almost missed a big one! When issue #100 on the King James Bible went to press in May 2011, Christian History magazine was reborn as the unique donation-based print publication you see today. We’ve reached our fifth anniversary thanks to the support of our faithful readers! It’s a milestone we shouldn’t miss, but here’s the reason we nearly did: a far bigger milestone, the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation, is upon us!
October 31, 2017 marks a half millennium since the posting of Luther’s 95 Theses, a moment that has come to signify sweeping change in the Church and virtually all other aspects of civilization. In preparation for this colossal anniversary, we’ve been digging through the history books to uncover the roots of reform, the hearts of the reformers, and the ongoing effects of their ideas. We’re so grateful for your partnership in this endeavor!
As a Christian History reader, you have already seen issues 115 Luther Leads the Way and 118 The People’s Reformation. The third installment in this Reformation series will profile the life and work of John Calvin. The issue will include a keepsake Reformation timeline to help put everything in perspective. Watch for it in your mailbox in early December. And we'll conclude the series in May 2017 with an issue on the Catholic or Counter Reformation, where we'll also learn about the ecumenical movement.
We are also proud to present our most extensive and intensive historical Reformation film production to date, The Reformation: This Changed Everything. This engaging and thoughtful three-hour docu-mentary examines the roots and the fruits of reform while asking important questions about continuing fissures in the Christian church. Featuring a diverse array of Protestant and Catholic scholars, a custom 14-lesson study guide, and breathtaking shots of key locations across Europe, it’s a film you won’t want to miss. And we are thrilled to announce that we’ve signed an agreement to broadcast the series on local PBS stations. If you’d like to see This Changed Everything reach a wider audience, you can help by contacting your local PBS station and request they carry the series for your area.
Our new “Refo Thursday” series promises to be fun, informative, and devotional all at the same time! We’ve asked a variety of writers to share personal stories while reflecting on Reformation-era quotes in a kind of theological conversation with the reformers. Find them each Thursday on our blog, our e-newsletter, and our Facebook page, beginning on October 6 and continuing through October 2017: www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/blog/.
In 2016 we were delighted to bring you many important stories about the history of our faith. Early in 2016, Christian History published The Surprising Quakers, and found an active group that is not as quiet as we sometimes think! Our most recent issue on The Wonder of Creation may well be the most beautifully illustrated issue to date. We’ll begin 2017 with a special double issue on the incredible faith stories of World War I and World War II. We know you’ll appreciate learning about the active faith of heroic veterans who faced unimaginable danger and uncertainty.
We’ve heard your requests for a handy way to protect and organize your collection of Christian History magazines, and we now offer attractive slipcases for your convenience. You can find these and a list of available back issues to complete your collection on the order form inside each issue of Christian History or online any time. We’ve been gradually reprinting out-of-print issues, so check back frequently for an updated list.
Please see our enclosed flyer for many of the resources mentioned here. Our complete storefront is available at www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/storefront/.
Together with you we look forward to the coming year and to telling the many stories of faith that have spanned both the globe and the ages. Thank you for your partnership.
Cordially,
William K. Curtis
General Manager
P.S. As we celebrate both a five-year and a five-hundred-year anniversary, we give thanks for each of you who supports our mission to bring “the story of the Church to the people of the Church.” If you have not yet sent a donation in 2016, please consider making one now with the form below, by phone at 1-800-468-0458, or online at www.christianhistorymagazine.org.