A Short History of Christianity (Lion Histories) - Softcover

Tomkins, Stephen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745951449 ISBN 13: 9780745951447

Publisher: Lion Books, 2005

Synopsis

Worshipped by 2 billion Christians (and revered by 1.3 billion Muslims), Jesus Christ is the most famous human being ever. Yet how did this man from an obscure backwater in the Roman Empire achieve such extraordinary acclaim? How did religion founded in his name grom to become the most powerful on earth? What has been its relationship through history with that other giant of religions, Islam? In this fast-paced and entertaining book, journalist and historian Stephen Tomkins sets out to provide the answers. Beginning with the life of Jesus, he presents a warts-and-all portrait of the key people, events and movements in Christian history. For every debauched pope, murderous crusader and hate-filled inquisitor, there are glorious examples of heroic self-sacrifice, spiritual enlightenment and social transformation. Despite setbacks and conflict, the church has continued to change and grow, with the result that, at the start of the 21st century, its centre of gravity is moving south into sub-Saharan Africa and South America. The author ends by looking to the future, for the story is far from over. All those wanting to understand where Christianity is going need to learn where it has come from, and in this book they will find a lively and informative guide.

About this title

Product Description:

All those wanting to know more about the history of Christianity will find this an enlightening and enjoyable read. Stephen Tomkins takes the reader through the key stages of Christian development, covering the people, the controversy and the expansion of the Church in a lively style. The book begins with the spread of the church from Jerusalem through the early church and the Roman Empire. The author then continues the story of Christianity right up to the present day, including discussion of topics such as: the eastern church, battles between east and west, the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, the Enlightenment and the impact of science. The author also provides a snapshot of the worldwide church of the 20th and 21st centuries and looks at the challenges it faces.

Synopsis:

Worshipped by 2 billion Christians worldwide, Jesus Christ is the most famous human being ever. Stephen Tomkins takes the reader on a enlightening and enjoyable journey through the key stages of Christian development, covering the people, the events, the movements, the controversies and the expansion of the Church in this lively 'warts and all' portrait. The book begins with the life of Jesus before looking at the spread of the early church and the Roman Empire. Tomkins then continues the story of Christianity right up to the present day, including discussion of topics such as: the Eastern church, battles between East and West, the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, the Enlightenment and the impact of science. The author also provides a snapshot of the worldwide church of the 21st century, and explores the challenges it faces.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lion Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0745951449
• ISBN 13: 9780745951447
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256