Christian Thought

Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction offers a clear and engaging overview of the major ideas, figures, and movements that have shaped Christian theology from the early Church to the present day. Now in its third edition, this accessible and engaging book introduces readers to the historical development of Christian thought, emphasizing how theology has been shaped by—and has responded to—changing cultural, philosophical, and political contexts.

This new edition features expanded coverage of Eastern Orthodoxy, the Reformation beyond Calvin, and the global expressions of Christianity that have come to the fore in recent decades. It also offers greater attention to the theological contributions of women and includes updated chapters on the Bible and the Trinity. Supplementary visuals help contextualize the material, making this an excellent resource for both classroom use and personal study.

Written in clear, student-friendly language and assuming no prior background in theology, Christian Thought is both intellectually serious and widely accessible. Readers will be guided through the rich and complex journey of Christian ideas, and understand why they continue to matter today.

Author Biography

Chad Meister is Affiliate Scholar of the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion at the University of Notre Dame. He has written and edited over 30 books, including The Routledge Companion to Modern Christian Thought.

J.B. Stump is Vice President of BioLogos, now working primarily at the intersection of Christianity and science. His latest book is The Sacred Chain: How Understanding Evolution Leads to Deeper Faith.