concise history of Christianity in Canada, A

By Roberto Perin

Book Description

This comprehensive exploration reveals how Christianity has shaped the spiritual and cultural landscape of Canada across five transformative centuries. Drawing from the latest scholarly research, this collaborative work by five authors traces the remarkable journey of faith communities from the earliest European encounters through the significant religious shifts of the 1960s.

Rather than focusing solely on individual denominations, this study illuminates the shared experiences that united diverse Christian communities while examining their profound influence on both French and English Canadian society. The narrative weaves together the institutional growth of churches with the lived spiritual experiences of ordinary believers, revealing how faith expressions varied across gender, ethnicity, and social class.

The book thoughtfully examines the complex relationships between different Christian traditions and their missionary endeavors, particularly among First Nations peoples and their varied responses. It also explores the intricate dynamics between religious institutions and government, showing how spiritual and political forces have intersected throughout Canadian history.

Enhanced with period illustrations and detailed maps, this accessible yet thorough account serves both students seeking foundational knowledge and general readers interested in understanding how Christian spirituality has evolved within the Canadian context. The work offers valuable insights into the broader patterns of religious change and continuity that have shaped a nation's spiritual identity over centuries of transformation.