The Story of the Church: From Pentecost to Modern Times
By Phillip Campbell · Published by TAN Books
Overview
No institution in history has shaped the world more profoundly than the Catholic Church. Empires have risen and fallen, wars have raged, and civilizations have crumbled—yet through every age, the Church has endured as a light in the darkness. In The Story of the Church: From Pentecost to Modern Times, Phillip Campbell brings this sweeping history to life in a vivid and engaging narrative designed especially for young readers.
Beginning at Pentecost, when the Apostles first proclaimed the Gospel, and continuing through the modern era, this book guides children through the triumphs, trials, and defining moments of Church history. Written in a captivating storybook style, it introduces readers to the saints, martyrs, popes, and key events that shaped the Faith and the world.
Through this journey, children will see how the Church remained faithful amid persecution, heresy, and political upheaval—always preserving the truth and extending mercy to a wounded world.
What Children Will Discover
- The beginnings of the Church at Pentecost
- The courage and witness of early martyrs
- The lives of great saints such as Benedict, Augustine, Francis, Dominic, Catherine of Siena, Thomas More, Thérèse, and Maximilian Kolbe
- The influence of popes like Leo XIII, Pius IX, and John Paul II
- Major events such as the Crusades, the Protestant Reformation, and the Second Vatican Council
- Marian apparitions including Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima
Additional Learning Resources
- Dramatized Audio Book: A fully produced audio experience with music, sound effects, and narration that brings Church history to life
- Streaming Video Lecture Series: Chapter-by-chapter lessons featuring narrative reviews, key figures, visual aids, and quizzes
- Workbook (Grades 5–8): Quizzes, writing prompts, crosswords, and comprehension exercises to reinforce learning
From the Tradition
Through every age of turmoil and triumph, the Church has remained in the world but not of it, faithfully guiding souls to Christ.
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for middle-grade students, homeschool families, and Catholic educators seeking an engaging and faithful presentation of Church history. It is especially suited for children who benefit from narrative-driven learning and visual storytelling.
Parents will also appreciate the companion resources that make this a comprehensive curriculum for teaching Church history with clarity and confidence.
FAQs
What age group is this book best for?
It is generally recommended for upper elementary to middle school students, especially grades 5 through 8.
Are there supplemental materials available?
Yes. The book is supported by a dramatized audiobook, a streaming lecture series, and a companion workbook.
Is this suitable for homeschool use?
Yes. It is widely used in homeschool settings as a complete Church history curriculum.
Key Themes
- The history and endurance of the Catholic Church
- The witness of saints and martyrs
- The development of doctrine and tradition
- Faithfulness amid persecution and cultural change
- Formation through historical understanding
- Author:
- Phillip Campbell
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Publication Date:
- July 6, 2020
- Product Format:
- Complete Set
- Illustrator:
- Chris Pelicano
- SKU:
- 2877
- Wistia Hash:
- gisul8bo4o
- Wistia Name:
- TAN Academy: The Story of the Church
- Wistia Url:
- https://www.tanbooks.com/tan-academy-the-story-of-the-church/
- Wistia Type:
- Series
3 Reviews
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Blible Studies - Elementary School
A complete history written for children that guides them through pivotal moments of the Church's History in an academic, but also accessible language.
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Informative, engaging and balanced historical teaching, tying together the whole series
We have purchased every one of Philip Campbell;s history series. His latest release about church history has been as informational and entertaining as all the rest, which I found surprising. Expecting it to be somewhat dry, I waited until our oldest was in 9th grade to introduce this one. Was I wrong! It ties together the other books in his history series, and just like his other offerings, it is highly engaging no matter what the child;s age. The videos contain different information from the audio and have relevant pictures of the items and people discussed, so I was happy to have bought the entire package. We have used other history programs with our children, but Philip Campbell;s series is their favorite. He has made both teaching and learning easy because the children are so engaged that they remember their history lessons well. This is our favorite history program by far for home-schooling, though we had bought it merely to use on long car trips when it first came out.
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Just beautiful
Easy to read and fallow! Great material for anyone, middle school and up