Introduction to the History of Christianity

by Herring, George

• ISBN13: 9780814736999
• ISBN10: 0814736998
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-09-01
• Publisher: New York Univ Pr

Summary

View the Table of Contents . Read the Preface . "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 Christianity is the world's largest religion, and has had a profound impact on the course of civilization.Introduction to the History of Christianityis 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 300ucirc;500; Expansion and Order, Latin Christendom, circa 1050ucirc;1250; and Grace and Authority, Western Christianity, circa 1450ucirc;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 Christianityoffers an inviting and informative overview of this rich religious tradition.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Acknowledgements	xv
Introduction: Making All Things New	1	(46)
Part One Christ and Caesar: Christianity c. 300-c. 500
Imperial Christianity	47	(20)
City and Desert	67	(19)
The Great Debate	86	(20)
The African Pilgrim	106	(23)
Part Two Expansion and Order: Latin Christendom c. 1050--c. 1250
Roads to Canossa	129	(21)
Keepers of the Keys	150	(28)
The Enthusiasts	178	(47)
Part Three Grace and Authority: Western Christianity c. 1450--c. 1650
Reformations	225	(26)
Diversity Becomes Division	251	(44)
Divine Winds and Interest Rates	295	(16)
Epilogue: Loss and Gain	311	(8)
Appendix: Documents	319	(16)
Notes	335	(20)
Index	355