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 and 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 and religious ‘others’– dissenting Christians, Jews and Muslims – in shaping Christian thought. * Sets Christian ideas in the context of conversations, controversies and concrete circumstances. * Demonstrates the importance of liturgical and devotional exercises to the practice of Christianity. * Treats words, images, music and architecture all as primary evidence of Christian traditions. * Is accompanied by a CD Rom containing hundreds of visuals to support the theories and examples discussed throughout the volume.