World Christian Encyclopedia A Comparative Survey of Churches and Religions in The Modern World 2 Volume Set

by Barrett, David B.; Kurian, George T.; Johnson, Todd M.

• ISBN13: 9780195079630
• ISBN10: 0195079639
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-01-18
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Here is the completely updated and greatly expanded new edition of a classic reference source--the comprehensive overview of the world's largest religion in all its many versions and in both its religious and secular contexts. Now in two volumes, the Encyclopedia presents and analyzes an unmatched wealth of information about the extent, status, and characteristics of twentieth-century Christianity worldwide. It takes full account of Christianity's ecclesiastical branches, subdivisions, and denominations, and treats Christianity in relation to other faiths and the secular realm. It offers an unparalleled comparative study of churches and religions throughout the modern world. This new edition features a vast range of new and previously unpublished data on the current global situation of Christianity, on religion in general, and on the political, demographic, economic, and social characteristics of the world's cultures and peoples in 238 countries. Each volume is filled with essential information, from historical surveys of denominations to country-by-country profiles of churches and believers. The text sets the current status of Christianity into a rich historical context, and assesses current trends and future directions. Many tables, charts, diagrams, photographs, a directory of names and organizations, a glossary, index, and other features ensure accessibility for specialists and non-specialists alike. The Encyclopedia will be of great value to academics of many disciplines, clergy, administrators, and those who work in Christian and other religious organizations around the world, as well as to anyone interested in current affairs.

Table of Contents

Preliminaries	i
Contents	v
Preface	vi
Nations and countries	viii
Authors, editors, and consultants	x
Collaborators and contributors	xi
Overview
World Summary: The status of Christianity and religions in the modern world	1	(24)
Reference
Glossary: Definitions of key variables and technical terms	25	(6)
Codebook: Quick-reference codebook for all statistical tables	31	(16)
Survey
Countries: A country-by-country survey of life, liberty, religions, Christianity, churches, prospects	47	(780)
Countryscan: Comprehensive summary table of 167 indicators for all 238 countries	827	(24)
Atlas: A mini-atlas of human environment, Christianity, and ministries in the global context	851
Preliminaries:	i
Contents	v
Summary of the world's 238 countries and their codes	vi
Segments
Religiometrics: Profiles of the 270 largest of the 10,000 distinct religions worldwide	1	(12)
Ethnosphere: Cultures of the world, with 12,600 people profiles	13	(230)
Linguametrics: Demographics, ministries, and scriptures via 13,500 language profiles	243	(288)
Metroscan: Metropolises of the world: 7,000 city profiles	531	(86)
Provincescan: Major civil divisions (MCDs) in 238 countries: 3,030 profiles	617	(32)
Topics
Dictionary: A survey dictionary of Christianity in the global context	649	(30)
Bibliography: A world bibliography of Christianity and religions	679	(20)
Directory: Topical directory of Christianity, religions, and worldwide ministries	699	(100)
Indexes: Topics, abbreviations, acronyms, initials, and photographs	799