The Most Influential Christians of All-Time ? Exclusive rankings released

Feb. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- EXCLUSIVE RANKING- from forthcoming Christian nonfiction book titled "Top Ten Most Influential Christians (since the Apostles)".  As part of the authors' goal, which is to introduce and teach these key historical figures to Christians at-large, below is a ranking of those voted in the second "10" of those who most shaped today's Christianity in America.  The actual "top 10" will be part of the pending book, and will be discussed further next month.
Numbers 11 through 20, in order of perceived "importance/ influence"-

11.  King Henry 8th
12. King James I
13. Phillip Melanchthon
14. Pope John Paul II
15. Martin Chemnitz
16. CFW Walther
17. Arius
18. Joseph Smith**
19. Pope Pius 9th
20. Charles Spurgeon

**Smith was allowed to be included within this list as he was a "self-perceived" Christian, and because he has had an effect on the Christian body in America, for better or for worse.  The authors of the book would not describe him as a Christian, but from a historical perspective, Smith has certainly had an impact.

More information on the book and the project and survey can be found via the author's website-  www.toptenchristians.wordpress.com.

These results/ rankings are primarily the outcome of a recent survey which was conducted of various pastors, writers, teachers, and other Christian leaders throughout the country.  Numerous denominations were included, and a representative breakdown of Catholics and Protestants were taken.

The authors were assisted in the book with mini-biographies contributed by a cross-section of knowledgeable Christians.  These include a Methodist district superintendent/ Pastor, a Catholic magazine editor, a Baptist theologian, a current PhD candidate in Systematic Theology, and others.

From a recent book review from Pastor and theologian Fred DeRuvo-
"This book- Top Ten Most Influential Christians- rolls back the curtain so that the average individual has one more opportunity to see for themselves the names of those who have changed the course of church history for better or for worse.

One of the points brought out is that “knowledge of Christian Theology is… in alarming decline”.  This sadly is very true.  If the average church-goer had even a rudimentary understanding of the basics within Christianity, including understanding church history, their knowledge and appreciation of God would likely be far greater.

It must have been a very difficult job to whittle all the names down to ten individuals, but this book manages it.  From Emperor Constantine to many others, the lives discussed in this book represent what the book calls true “watershed” events, moments, or scenarios.

This book is certainly by no means the be-all, end-all of all books on church history- and it does not purport to be that.  What it DOES do is present information to the average layperson in which their appetite for more will come alive!

In the end, Top Ten Most Influential Christians, is a book that I am glad to have added to my library.  It is a worthwhile resource, and one that I will undoubtedly refer to often.

-Dr. Fred DeRuvo"

The book will be available shortly as an ebook ($4.95), and a print version ($9.95), via www.truthbookpublishers.com.  At this time, we are also offering pre-orders via our site and Paypal, through www.toptenchristians.wordpress.com.