I was recently asked to recommend good courses or books to study world history from a Christian and biblical perspective. What I’ve read/studied and can recommend without reservation are:
Consequences of Ideas – R.C. Sproul
A history of western philosophy and ideas. Ideas drive actions and history is the result. Highly recommended as an overview and roadmap to how we got to where we are today.
Church History in Plain Language – Shelley
Western civilization from about 200 A.D. until about 1850 is centered on the Christian Church. This is a well written, easily followed, “layman’s” history that I really enjoyed. I’ll have our kids read this in 10th grade.
Gileskirk Curriculum – George Grant
Series of four lecture sets covering ancient through modern eras. I have the “Modern” set, covering from the French Revolution to the present. I’d love to have the whole series. Mr. Grant understands history and teaches in an engaging style. These were delivered to his class at a private Christian classical school.
Roots of American Order – Kirk
Not world history as such, but gives a sweeping overview of world history. Masterfully shows how thought from ancient times, through Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages culminated in these United States. My kids will read this in 11th grade.
City of God – Augustine
St. Augustine’s magnum opus, containing a history of Greece, Rome, and biblical Israel. Augustine’s analysis of pagan cultures and his contrast with God’s people is a very insightful history study from someone far closer to it in time than most other historians.
History of the English-Speaking Peoples – Winston Churchill
Very enjoyable. Who is better equipped than Sir Winston to tell the story of the most remarkable story of the English. Includes a quite thorough history of the United States as well. I have the Commager one-volume edition and it is marvelous.