Christianity is the world's largest religion, and has had a profound impact on the course of civilization. Introduction to the History of Christianity is a beautifully crafted and clearly written introduction to Christianity over its 2000 year history. The broad underlying theme of the book is the interaction between Christianity and the secular world, exploring how one has shaped and been shaped by the other. The volume does not attempt to cover the whole of Christian history in detail. It focuses on three key chronological periods pivotal in the development of Christianity: Christ and Caesar, Christianity circa 300-500; Expansion and Order, Latin Christendom, circa 1050-1250; and Grace and Authority, Western Christianity, circa 1450-1650, as well as a concluding section on Christianity in the modern world, providing illustrative snapshots of the tradition over the course of its long development. In addition, the volume includes maps, timelines, quotations from primary source material, a glossary, and a further reading section. No staid, laborious introduction to its subject, Introduction to the History of Christianity offers an inviting and informative overview of this rich religious tradition.
George Herring is the author of What Was the Oxford Movement? He is a Church historian who studied at Leicester University and Keble College, Oxford. He has taught history in higher education for over 20 years.
Preface Acknowledgements Introduction: Making All Things New Part One Christ and Caesar: Christianity c. 300-c. 5001 Imperial Christianity 2 City and Desert 3 The Great Debate4 The African Pilgrim Part Two Expansion and Order: Latin Christendom c. 1050-c. 12505 Roads to Canossa 6 Keepers of the Keys 7 The Enthusiasts Part Three Grace and Authority: Western Christianity c. 1450-c. 16508 Reformations9 Diversity Becomes Division 10 Divine Winds and Interest RatesEpilogue: Loss and Gain Appendix: Documents Notes Index
"Packed with historical knowledge, arranged with an impressive capacity for theological explication, and written in a flowing manner that belies its textbook quality, G. Herring has produced a volume that will be useful to a large audience with various degrees of exposure to its topic." -Religious Studies Review "Church historian Herring's newest book can be seen as a textbook and probably will be used as such. But to view it only as that would be a mistake because it is also an accessible account of the high-points of Christianity divided into three 200-year periods-'Christ and Caesar, Christianity Circa 300-500,' 'Expansion and Order, Latin Christendom, Circa 1050-1250,' and 'Grace and Authority, Western Christianity, Circa 1450-1650.' The lives of such important Christians as St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and Eramus are also touched upon. Most interesting perhaps is the author's admitting to writing about the parts of Christian history that are of 'particular interest to him.' His excitement, curiosity, and attention to these areas are readily apparent. With the help of maps, illustrations, and skilled writing, his pet subjects soon become the reader's. This well-researched and enjoyable labor of love is highly recommended for all libraries." -Library Journal "Written with passion and commitment." -Catholic Historical Review
