Christianity is the most popular of the world's major religions, with followers in every corner of the globe. Having long ago spread beyond its historic heartlands in Europe and the Near East, Christianity has been embraced by hundreds of millions in the Americas, Africa, Oceania and Asia. The backbone of Western civilization for centuries, this enduring faith has helped to shape the modern world. Christianity: The Illustrated History is organized in four parts. Part One traces the development of this great religion, from its origins as a small local sect to its rise as a global power and into the modern era. Part Two gives an overview of Christian beliefs, rituals and festivals within the Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox traditions, each with their distinctive identities. Part Three is a fascinating survey of sacred texts - scrolls, testaments, apocrypha and so on.Part Four examines the issues faced by Christianity's diverse faith communities as they seek to meet the challenges of a new millennium. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the scholarly yet accessible text is enlivened by dozens of boxes and sidebars which emphasize the legacy of Christianity - from philosophical ideas and educational institutions to selfless traditions of charity and caring. Among the finest treasures are the countless works of art and architecture that the faith has inspired.