Includes index.

# I New York times bestselling author

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Scattered sheep -- The first saints -- Defining doctrine -- Brutal opposition -- Egypt and the great persecution -- Church, state, and emperor -- Tares among wheat -- Saving wastelands -- Fathers know best -- Doctors' orders -- Two giants -- From ancient to medieval -- Christianity in the early Barbarian kingdoms: the Barbarians become Arians -- The Byzantine Empire -- Crescent and cross -- Europe is born -- Decline and reform -- Northern lights -- The face of God and Schism.

In this moving and accessible narrative, Tried by Fire speaks across centuries to offer insight into the people and events that shaped the faith that continues to shape our lives today.