All those wanting to know more about the history of Christianity will find this an enlightening and enjoyable read. Stephen Tomkins takes the reader through the key stages of Christian development, covering the people, the controversy and the expansion of the Church in a lively style. The book begins with the spread of the church from Jerusalem through the early church and the Roman Empire. The author then continues the story of Christianity right up to the present day, including discussion of topics such as: the eastern church, battles between east and west, the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, the Enlightenment and the impact of science. The author also provides a snapshot of the worldwide church of the 20th and 21st centuries and looks at the challenges it faces.