This outstanding textbook offers an original history of Christian thought asking what it has meant over the centuries to participate in the religion of the Word made flesh Traces Christian ideas conversations experiences & practices from the first century through to the dawn of modernity at the end of the eighteenth century Presents an inclusive history considering the critical roles of women & religious others dissenting Christians Jews & Muslims in shaping Christian thought Sets Christian ideas in the context of conversations controversies & concrete circumstances Demonstrates the importance of liturgical & devotional exercises to the practice of Christianity Treats words images music & architecture all as primary evidence of Christian traditions Is accompanied by a CD Rom containing hundreds of visuals to support the theories & examples discussed throughout the volume