An Introduction to Christianity

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).

• 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.

'The only thing misleading about Linda Woodhead's Introduction to Christianity is its over-modest title. While it does indeed provide a highly readable over-view 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, Pennsylvania State University