Thomas Pierre Verduyn

The Former Things Thomas Pierre Verduyn

The Former Things was written in simple language so that those with no knowledge of world history can follow easily. The book is a chronological summary and covers the rise and fall of the greatest ruling empires in history, including Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, the Byzantine Empire, the Arab empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Russian Empire, the British empire, the USA and the USSR. The emphasis throughout the book is not power thirsty conquerors, but how these empires affected Jews and/or Christians. Most chapters also contain a brief summary of what was happening in those parts of the world outside the areas controlled by these great empires. In this way neither China nor the Mayans are left out.
The progression (and regression) of technology is followed throughout the book, from the development of city walls and the wheel, to gun-powder and the smart-phone.
Whole chapters are devoted to world changing events such as the invasions of Genghis Khan (13th century), the Reformation (16th century), and the two world wars (20th century).
The rise of all the great religious and philosophical movements are touched on, including those by Aristotle, Buddha, Confucius, and Mohammed. Special emphasis is given to Judaism and Christianity, with an entire chapter on the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
All the great missionary waves of the Christian church are briefly referred to. The major divisions in the catholic church are dealt with, including the schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, and also the fragmentation of Christendom during the Reformation.
When history fulfilled some biblical prophecy, (for example, the disappearance of the Edomites, the fall of Jerusalem, or the end of the Roman Empire) the fact is noted.
Every chapter ends with a series of questions suitable for students in their teen years. Thus, the work is ideal as a textbook for private schools or homeschooling families.
The author frankly accepts the record of history as found in the Holy Bible. This is not done on blind faith. Rather, proof and explanation of this position are frequently given throughout the book in order to demonstrate that this is the only way to properly document history.
The Former Things is fully indexed.
The Preface provides a good overview of how and why the book was written, and may be perused by clicking on the Look Inside link (found above the picture of the front cover).