A historical introduction to the development of Christianity from social, cultural, and institutional perspectives which demonstrates the evolution of the religion.

An introduction to the development of Christianity from social, cultural, and institutional perspectives from its origins in the first century to its fragmentation during the Reformations in the 16th century. A special focus of this investigation will be the changes Christianity underwent as it spread through different cultures, evolved over time to new contexts, and reacted to political changes. It will trace the impact of varying cultural forces such as Greco-Roman influence, the conflict between Catholic Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, and Islam during the Crusades, and the Medieval and Renaissance papacy which led to the Reformations.