Christianity

By Diarmaid MacCulloch

Book Description

This sweeping exploration of Christianity traces the remarkable journey of a faith that began with a single teacher and grew to shape civilizations across the globe. Diarmaid MacCulloch guides readers through nearly two millennia of religious history, revealing how Jesus' original message evolved and spread through diverse cultures and continents.

The narrative begins with the Hebrew Bible's foundations and follows Christianity's three primary branches as they developed distinct traditions and practices. Rather than focusing solely on European Christianity, this comprehensive account illuminates often-overlooked stories of faith taking root in Africa and Asia, showing how different societies embraced and transformed Christian teachings.

Readers encounter a rich cast of historical figures, from devoted monks and determined crusaders to controversial heretics and revered saints. The book examines Christianity's complex relationship with slavery, following both those who used faith to justify human bondage and those who drew upon it to champion abolition.

MacCulloch demonstrates how Christian thought profoundly influenced major historical movements, including the Enlightenment and the Age of Exploration. The account extends into modern times, exploring how evangelical movements emerged from German and English roots to flourish in America, and examining Christianity's role during both World Wars.

This extensive work offers readers a nuanced understanding of how religious ideas have shaped human history, providing valuable insights for anyone seeking to comprehend faith's enduring influence on world events and cultural development.