Christianity: A Global History

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When Columbus sailed to the New World in 1492, Christianity was almost entirely European, Since that time, missionary work and colonial activities have completely altered the religious face of Russia, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and today almost one-third of the world's population claims to be Christian. In this view of Christianity, David Chidester examines the key doctrines and developments of this now global religion. He traces the origins of Christianity and moves through historical transitions of the mediaeval and Byzantine eras to the challenge of 21st century consumerism that bring the story up to the present day. Giving personal histories of important philosophers, mystics, saints and visionaries from Justin and Augustine to Gandhi and Martin Luther King, this wide-ranging work explores the ideas that have inspired Christians of all races and sects through two millennia of Christian belief.

Reviews

"'A model of condensation without simplification' - J.M Coetzee 'Clear and balanced. A triumph of compression... invaluable as a work of reference for students' - Karen Armstrong, Times 'A new and ambitious concept in presenting Christian history...a triumph. Never before, I suspect, has this cavalcade of thinkers been presented in a manner which so successfully combines depth, breadth, and succinctness' - Gerard Noel, Catholic Herald"

Author Bio

DAVID CHIDESTER is Professor of Comparative Religion at the University of Cape Town. He is the author of many award-winning books (American Academy of Religion Award for Excellence) on Christianity and Comparative Religion.