Chidester tells the Christian story from its beginnings as a persecuted sect in the Roman Empire up to its present day international diversity. It is a rich and complex tapestry and Chidester handles his huge subject with rigorous scholarship, copious but unobtrusive notes, and a clear and readable style. He keeps track of the big historical trends while focusing on the fascinating personalities who have both dragged the Christian Church into scandal and schism as well as those who have lifted it to the heights of inspiration and holiness.

Chidester splits the Christian era into three chunks: the opening ten chapters deal with the first five hundred years, the next ten deal with the middle millennium and the third section covers the world wide expansion of Christianity since the Reformation. Those who like their Church history to be a disguised religious pep talk won't like this book because Chidester is expert at not taking sides; but for anyone who wants to study the majestic procession of Christianity through the history of the last 2000 years, this big book is worth every penny. --Dwight Longenecker

Synopsis
Christianity claims the allegiance of up to a third of the world's population and has had a profound impact on almost all the rest. In his accessible and comprehensive history, leading authority David Chidester examines the key doctrines and developments, from the ancient origins of Christian beliefs and practices during the first five centuries, through the historical transitions of the mediaeval and Byzantine era, to the global transformations of Christianity in the modern world. Alongside this broad panorama is a richly human story which the author encapsulates in incisive character sketches and historical vignettes. Change and conflict have defined the history of Christianity, and Chidester traces its extraordinary transition from persecuted "superstition" to persecuting imperial religion; through the upheavals that led to the emergence of the Orthodox Catholic and Protestant churches; and the diverse ideals which inspired pilgrims, scholars, monks and mystics, Crusaders and witch-hunters, devotees of the Virgin Mary and alleged heretics. Although the churches had always reached out to convert others, when Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492, Christianity was still predominantly European. Yet missionary and colonial activities soon began decisively to alter the religious ladnscape of Russia, Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific Islands. Chidester assesses the complex culture clashes, the churches' tangled relations with other faiths, and the extent of Christian complicity in anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. In the last half-century, the Cold War and today's consumerist society have presented a huge range of fresh challenges to a religion which now relies on cartoon strips and websites as much as icons and stained-glass windows. Full of trenchant analysis and revealing detail, David Chidester's enthralling book brings the story of Christianity vividly to life.

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