An Introduction to Christianity examines the key figures, events and ideas of two thousand years of Christian history and places them in context. It considers the religion in its material as well as its spiritual dimensions and explores its interactions with wider society such as money, politics, force, gender and the family, and non-Christian cultures and societies. This Introduction places particular focus on the ways in which Christianity has understood, embodied and related to power. It shows how the Church's longstanding love affair with 'higher power', both human and divine, has been repeatedly challenged by alternative ideas of of 'power from below', both sacred and secular. Finally, by bringing the history of Christianity right up-to-date, this book explores the ways in which churches of both North and South react to the rise of modern democracy. Comprehensive and accessible, this book will appeal to the student and general reader.
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Introduction; Part I. The Christian Revolution: Ascent to Power: 1. How Christianity came to power; 2. Churches of east and west in the early middle ages; 3. Christendom: the western church in power; Part II. The Modern Revolution: Compromises with Power: 4. The Reformation in context; 5. Protestant pathways into the modern world; 6. Catholic and orthodox negotiations with modernity; 7. Twentieth-century fortunes; Conclusion.
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'The only thing misleading about Linda Woodhead's Introduction to Christianity is its over-modest title. While it does indeed provide a highly readable over-view of the religion for beginners, it also has a huge amount to offer readers who already know a good deal about the topic. Dr Woodhead impresses by her knowledge of history and politics as well as theology and conventional 'religious studies' approaches - not to mention her admirable sense of fairness throughout. This lucidly written Introduction deserves the widest possible audience.' Philip Jenkins, Pennsylvania State University
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The key figures, events and ideas of Christian history, discussed within their own context.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780521454452
Publisert
2004-09-02
Utgiver
Vendor
Cambridge University Press
Vekt
820 gr
Høyde
229 mm
Bredde
152 mm
Dybde
29 mm
Aldersnivå
U, G, P, 05, 01, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
456

Forfatter

Biographical note

Linda Woodhead is a Senior Lecturer in Christian Studies at Lancaster University. She has written extensively on Christianity, culture and society. Recent edited books include Peter Berger and the Study of Religion (2001), Religions in the Modern World (2002), Predicting Religion (2003, with Grace Davie and Paul Heelas) and Congregational Studies in the UK (2004, with Matthew Guest and Karin Tusting).