"Though the authors do treat major events, leaders, and institutions, they emphasize the lives of ordinary Christians. And they probe the history of the church not only in Western civilization but also in its worldwide manifestation." "This multicultural balance means expanded discussion of theologies on the fringe of accepted orthodoxy - ideas that have influenced the Christian church throughout the ages. Other features include analyses of key developments in society and economics, descriptions of native cultures as more than objects of missions, and depictions of everyday life in various Christian communities."--BOOK JACKET.