Synopses & Reviews
Includes bibliographical references (p. 313-317) and index.
Review
Eschewing dogmatism and historical nitpicking, this richly illustrated volume ....combines meticulous scholarship with a clear and lively eye. (Library Journal)
Review
A magnificent production. (Church Times)
Synopsis
There is no doubt that Christianity has had a major impact on the history of European civilisation, but defining and quantifying that impact is a complicated task. Christianity has asked more of its followers and converts than perhaps any other faith and its influence has been, and remains, far-reaching. These twelve essays assess the social and cultural impact of Christian ideas on people from all walks of life, across Europe, and to places further afield such as colonial America. Beginning in the Ancient World, this group of renowned scholars traces the progress of the Christian faith in conquering and converting the barbarians', the emergence of the Eastern Church, the proliferation of Christian values and beliefs in the Middle Ages, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and the 19th and 20th centuries.
Table of Contents
Introduction: a Christian world? / Geoffrey Barraclough -- The ancient world. 1. Christianity in the Roman Empire / William H.C. Frend -- 2. The rise of Christian art / Joachim Gaehde -- A conquering mission. 3. The conversion of the barbarian peoples / Ian N. Wood -- The Eastern church. 4. The Greek church and the peoples of eastern Europe / Steven Runciman -- The age of faith. 5. Medieval Christendom / Colin Morris -- The religion of the people. 6. Popular religious movements in the Middle Ages / Margaret Aston -- Christianity at the crossroads. 7. the age of the Reformation / Hans Hillerbrand -- 8. The social impact of Puritanism / J. William T. Youngs.