Understanding Christianity

Product Description

Christianity is the most influential of all the major religions in terms of the number of adherents, with as many as two billion followers of its many denominations found in every corner of the globe. Understanding Christianity presents a fascinating introduction to this great religious tradition, covering all major aspects
- for example, the belief in the Trinity of Father, Son & Holy Spirit; the centrality of Jesus the saviour & redeemer, & his teachings of love & forgiveness; the Roman Catholic tradition, with its pope & seven sacraments; & the many Protestant traditions, which look to the Bible as their primary authority. The book explores & explains the development of Christian diversity, examining the fundamental religious principles of the faith & how these have evolved over two millennia. Specific topics covered include: the biblical canon & the New Testament gospels; the work of major scholastic theologians, such as Thomas Aquinas; the divisions between Roman & Orthodox churches; monasticism, mystics, martyrs, saints & angels; the Reformation & Counter-Reformation; the Virgin Mary; & the celebrations of Baptism, the Eucharist & the major festivals of the liturgical calendar.