Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction

The story of Christian thought is essential to understanding Christian faith today and the last two millennia of world history. This fresh and lively introduction explores the central ideas, persons, events, and movements that gave rise to Christian thought, from early beginnings to its present forms. By highlighting the important but often neglected role of women and the influence of non-Christian ideas and movements, this book provides a broader context for understanding the history of Christian ideas and their role in shaping our world. Christian Thought:

• provides an overview of the context of Christianity’s origin, including discussion of the influence of Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans
• explores the major events and figures of the history of Christian thought, while drawing attention to significant voices which have often been suppressed
• analyses the impact on Christian thought of widely discussed events such as The Great Schism, the Scientific Revolution, and modernism
• surveys contemporary trends such as fundamentalism, feminism, and postmodernism.

This fully revised and updated second edition features a new chapter on liberal theology and reflects recent scholarship in the field. Complete with figures, timelines and maps, this is an ideal resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the development of Christian thought and its influence over the centuries. Further teaching and learning resources are available on the companion website at www.routledge.com/cw/meister.

Chad Meister is Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Bethel College in Indiana, USA.

J.B. Stump is Senior Editor at BioLogos and Visiting Scholar at the University of Notre Dame, USA.