A series of case studies illustrate the contemporary issues facing Christianity in contemporary society. This new introduction aims to present Christianity through the lens of contemporary issues. Illustrated throughout with examples and case studies taken from lived religion, each chapter looks at Christianity in a modern context, and modern issues relevant to the religion. After an initial chapter providing an overview of the faith, its history and basic theological tenets, George Chryssides moves through key contemporary themes: sources of authority in Christianity, science and Christianity, fundamentalism, mission and ecumenism, ethics, and women and Christianity. This title concludes with a final section looking at the future for Christianity in the face of secularism, secularisation and materialism, and its relative growth and decline worldwide. These useful guides aim to introduce religions through the lens of contemporary issues, illustrated throughout with examples and case studies taken from lived religion. The perfect companion for the student of religion, each guide interprets the teachings of the religion in question in a modern context and applies them to modern day scenarios.

George D. Chryssides is Honorary Research Fellow at York St John University, UK, and was formerly Head of Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.

Preface \ 1. The Basics \ 2. Sources of authority \ 3. Science and Christianity \ 4. Modern biblical interpretation \ 5. Mission and ecumenism \ 6. Ethics \ 7. Women \ 8. Life and death \ 9. The future \ Bibliography \ Index