Synopses & Reviews
Focusing on the ways in which Christianity has understood, embodied and related to power, Linda Woodhead examines the key figures, events and ideas spanning over two thousand years of Christian history. Woodhead considers the religion in its material as well as its spiritual dimensions and explores its interactions with society through money, politics, force, gender and the family, as well as non-Christian cultures and societies.
Review
"The only thing misleading about Linda Woodhead's Introduction to Christianity is its over-modest title. While it does indeed provide a highly readable overview 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, Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies, Pennsylvania State University
Review
"A lively and well-written introduction to the subject." CHOICE May 2005
Synopsis
The key figures, events and ideas of Christian history, discussed within their own context.
Synopsis
An Introduction to Christianity examines the key figures, events and ideas of two thousand years of Christian history and places them in context. It also places particular focus on the ways in which Christianity has understood, embodied and related to power. Comprehensive and accessible, it will have wide appeal.
About the Author
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).
Table of Contents
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.