Explore the full arc of Christian history and understand how faith, politics, and culture shaped the world.
This authoritative survey moves from the early church through major divisions in Western and Eastern Christianity, showing how ideas, institutions, and power intertwined across continents. It covers key movements, reform efforts, and the global spread of Christianity, with careful attention to historical context and sources.
This edition traces Western Christianity and its several reform streams, documents how religion and government interacted, and highlights the rise of new denominations and missionary work. It also surveys Eastern Christianity, including the Russian and Greek traditions, and analyzes major crises like the Reformation and its lasting impact on churches worldwide. A detailed appendix anchors the study with lists and timelines for quick reference.
- A clear, region-by-region framework: Eastern and Western Christianity, major reform movements, and the global missionary record.
- Timelines, key figures, and the interplay of religion with politics and society.
- An accessible reference structure, including appendices and cross-references to help with study and research.
- Coverage that spans from the ancient church through 1914, with emphasis on how past beliefs shape present-day practice.
Ideal for readers seeking a comprehensive, source-based introduction to church history and its enduring influence on world affairs.