Gonzalez presents an illuminating record of the lives, impelling ideas, and achievements of such prominent figures as Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin--movers and shapers in the emerging Protestant church. His biographical insights, in conjunction with vivid historical accounts, reveal how individual lives mirror and clarify core theological concerns and developments.

Beginning with the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, this fully revised and updated second volume of The Story of Christianity continues the marvelous history of the world's largest religion. Award-winning historian Justo Gonzalez bring to life the people, dramatic events, and theological debates that have shaped Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy. From the monk Martin Luther, who dared to stand up to a corrupt pope, to the surprising spread and growing vitality of today's church in Africa, Asia, and South America, The Story of Christianity offers a complete and up-to-date retelling of this amazing history. With new information on the important contributions of women to church history as well as the latest information on Christianity in developing countries, Gonzalez's richly textured study discusses the changes and directions of the church up to the twenty-first century. The Story of Christianity covers such recent occurrences as the fall of the Soviet Union and the return of the Russian Orthodox Church; feminist, Africa-American, and Third-World theologies; the scandals and controversies facing the reign of Pope Benedict XVI; interfaith dialogue; and the movement toward unity of all Christian churches. This revised and updated edition of The Story of Christianity concludes with a thoughtful look at the major issues and debates facing Christianity today.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview: #1 As the fifteenth century came to a close, it was clear that the church needed reform. The Great Schism had weakened the papacy, and many people were not happy with the corrupt leadership in Rome. #2 The church seemed to be in need of reform, as many priests and monastics were corrupt, and the laity were unable to trust a sacrament administered by a member of the clergy who seemed to have no sense of the enormity of sin. #3 The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were the formative period for most of the literary languages of Western Europe. Nationalism, which had begun to develop centuries earlier, found expression in these languages. #4 The Inquisition was a church court that was used to investigate and punish those who were considered heretics. It was under the authority of Ferdinand and Isabella, and their names have become famous for the zeal with which they persecuted Jews.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 As the fifteenth century came to a close, it was clear that the church needed reform. The Great Schism had weakened the papacy, and many people were not happy with the corrupt leadership in Rome. #2 The church seemed to be in need of reform, as many priests and monastics were corrupt, and the laity were unable to trust a sacrament administered by a member of the clergy who seemed to have no sense of the enormity of sin. #3 The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were the formative period for most of the literary languages of Western Europe. Nationalism, which had begun to develop centuries earlier, found expression in these languages. #4 The Inquisition was a church court that was used to investigate and punish those who were considered heretics. It was under the authority of Ferdinand and Isabella, and their names have become famous for the zeal with which they persecuted Jews.

The Bible's hidden time code holds the answers to some of life's greatest questions, such as: "What is our destination?" and "When will we get there?" In the Template of Time, Tom Payne relies on eight years of intensive research as he shares a comprehensive, chronological study of the quirky time patterns scattered throughout the Bible that, when assembled, create an eternal template upon which history unfolds. Just as atmospheric patterns suggest tomorrow's weather forecast, the historical patterns of the template suggest future outcomes while ruling out coincidence and chance. While illustrating how some forecasts have already come true, Payne examines the various time cycles that clearly demonstrate how the rhythms of history are leading to future surprises. As he follows the development of the Roman Empire and its prophesied conflict with the people of God, Payne proves that, as we approach the culmination of processes two thousand years in the making, everyone will be affected.