The Christian Experience: An Introduction to Christianity

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How do we study Christian life and thought How have political and cultural events influenced the experiences of Christians in different places, at different times How has the world's largest religion been lived in varied parts of the world The Christian Experience is the first textbook to unite traditional approaches to Christianity with special attention to art, music, architecture, and lived experiences. The material, individual, and personal sides of Christianity are brought to the fore throughout this chronological survey. Every chapter begins with a "first encounter" in order to bring the subject matter to life for students, mirroring the author's approach in his successful book Experiencing the World's Religions. This book on Christianity features over 100 color images, maps, and diagrams, and each chapter ends by pointing to additional print and electronic resources. Michael Molloy considers practices, insights, and artistic creations of Christians across the centuries. The book shows how Christian belief is being practiced in our own time, and it invites readers to imagine how Christianity might evolve in the future.

Reviews

Clearly written, abundantly illustrated, and attentive to the many expressions of Christianity around the world, The Christian Experience takes you there in this excellent introductory survey of Christian history. * David W. Kling, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Miami, USA *
The definitive introduction to the world's largest religion. Magisterial in scope and rich in detail this is a rare book both beautifully wrought and written. The diversity of Christianity is explored in its many manifestations: in myth, symbol, ritual; art and architecture; film and music. Mini-biographies of the many male and female colorful and controversial leaders are included. And neither is the future of the faith forgotten. The author observes the newest shifts occurring in the movement as its two billion members increasingly interact on the global stage with other competing religions, both folk and formal ones. An indispensable text for an introductory yet comprehensive overview of Christianity. * Chas. H. Barfoot, Honors Faculty Instructor of Religion, Arizona State University, USA *
Molloys text is engaging, free of jargon, and easily accessible to uninitiated undergraduates, while still incorporating a large amount of information in a reasonably sized, comprehensive introductory text. Highly recommended. * John Allan Knight, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Marist College, USA *
Presents a global perspective of the origins, history, and contemporary practices of Christianity adroitly highlighting the interaction of religion with the broader culture. * Kevin Newburg, Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity, Drew University, USA *
Overall, Molloy has written a textbook that masterfully surveys the history of Christianity. His clear writing engages readers by encouraging them to reflect on the importance of Christianity in broader contexts. In contrast to traditional textbooks about Christianity, Molloy pays special attention to the role of art, music, architecture, and religious encounters. As Molloy emphasizes, religionespecially Christianity in the case of his textbookmust be experienced to fully understand and appreciate. * Reading Religion *

Author Bio

Michael Molloy is author of Experiencing World Religions, 6th Edition.