A Chronology of World Christianity

Description

Christianity has carried on down the centuries, in regular prayer, worship, teaching and service to others regardless of dates on the calendar. But there is more to Christianity that this and particularly over the last two hundred years there has been a growing awareness about how much change and diversity there is in Christianity. This is a rich and complex story involving key individuals, events, intellectual developments, wars, migrations, cultural and scientific innovations, all of which are connected with particular times andplaces. The book is divided into chapters for each century, each of which contains an introduction. There are also boxes scattered throughout the text which have information about the most important movements and developments in the unfolding story. Included are 12 maps, an 8 page color plate section, 40 line drawings and a comprehensive index.

The Revd Dr. John Bowden is the former Editor and Managing Director of SCM Press. He is the author of several books and articles, including Christianity: The Complete Guide, and has translated numerous religious books from German, French and Dutch.

'John Bowden's A Chronology of World Christianity is more than a list of dates. A chapter covers each century and is introduced by a brief historical essay ..To have undertaken this kind of reference work was to embark on a mammoth task, not only because of the sheer length of the period, but also because of the necessary attention to detail...Bowden has accomplished his research with distinction and the result is a very attractive, if quite big and heavy book.' Canon Ian Ellis, Church of Ireland Gazette "The result is a supremely accessible work of reference...The book's 500-plus pages are clearly designed, a fitting means of conveying a wealth of information." - George Haydon and Margaret Daniels, Methodist Recorder, 2008. "A Chronology of World Christianity is a complete and comprehensive coverage of the subject. It also tackles the subject of what precisely Christianity is in a scholarly manner... A Chronology of World Christianity is a top pick for community library collections focusing on Christianity or World History, as well as general reference collections." -Midwest Book Review -- James A. Cox "This was a formidable assignment and John Bowden is probably one of the very few people who could tackle it" - Baptist Times "A chronology often is part of a much larger reference work, e.g., an encyclopedia...The editors allot about four-fifths of the space to the subject proper (by section from the 1st through the 21st centuries), and the remainder to a glossary and 15 topical appendixes. The introductory overviews for each of the centuries' chronologies are an effective way of framing the array of dates and events. The value of the appendices is less apparent; with so many richer resources to choose from, it is difficult to picture a researcher turning to the back of a chronology for an overview of art, festivals, the Virgin Mary, etc. The broader question here is why a stand-alone volume? Would a companion volume to a historical encyclopedia or a Web-based resource (with the ease of navigation afforded by the Internet) have been better presentation options? If a work like this finds its primary use as a "coffee-table" volume rather than as an authentic reference source, that circumstance likely will reflect a lack of attention to the matter of how resources are used alongside one another. Summing Up: Optional. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers." -D.R. Stewart, CHOICE, November 2008 -- Negative "This volume, with 500-plus pages, is a lot of chronology, in rich and vivid detail." -D.R. Stewart, CHOICE, November 2008 "This volume covers the breadth of Christian history and thought from the birth of Jesus Christ in approximately 6 B.C.E. to mid-2007. Bowden, a theologian and award-winning author, editor, and translator, chose a unique year-by-year format organized in chapters by century, with people, places, and events arranged chronologically. Thematic categories, such as art, are indicated by a series of icons that appear where relevant before each entry. Important topics spanning a range of dates are discussed in boxes set off from the text, and each chapter begins with a general outline of the main themes and developments in Christianity during that century. Cross-references point to earlier and later entries discussing the same topic, allowing what Bowden refers to as "stories" to be traced over a period of time. Well-produced maps and black-and-white illustrations accompany the text where needed. A glossary, a comprehensive index, and short chronologies of specialized topics, such as art, literature, and architecture, are appended at the end of the main text. Owing to the extensive period covered, the one- to two-sentence entries are brief and to the point;... this work is best suited for collections that have considerable resources on Christianity available. Recommended for theological collections and larger libraries that support theological research." - Amanda K. Sprochi, Library Journal, September 15, 2008 "John Bowden's book has many positive aspects, from the in-depth explanations of major events to the illustrations found in the book. I most appreciated, however, that Bowden includes all the sects that considered themselves Christians, such as the Gnostics, Arians, and Cathars. No group or sect is considered a heretic by Bowden and are all treated with respect and dignity...Unlike other books I have reviewed, I have no real criticism of the book. Bowden's book is what it is, a chronology of the events, persons, and movements that have shaped Christianity. This book would be a perfect addition to any college or seminary library." - Theresa Lynn Bruno, American Reference Books Annual, Vol. 40, 2009 "This is an excellent reference book for schools, theological colleges and individuals alike. A sort of ready-reckoner of many important dates in global Christianity this book is very clear to read, well presented and designed...Such a book could be hugely dry and off-putting, but the placement of photographs, maps and drawings throughout provides a break from dates and text. Shade boxes too offer extra information and are a welcome addition on many pages....Not only is it comprehensive, this book is very up to date with an interesting list on theatre, film, radio and television. The current Pontiff is listed as is the first woman Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the USA. The last entry in the chronology is the death of Jerry Falwell on May 15 2007!...Altogether a well recommended book for fast reference. In these days when even some Christian leaders' knowledge of church history can be a little shaky, Bowden's book will be a useful volume on the vicarage bookshelf." - David Gifford, Common Ground * Common Ground *