This selection of writings from the most important moments in the history of Christianity has become established as a classic work. Now, incorporating a wealth of new material, this new edition will be an essential reference source for anyone interested in the Christian Church. While retaining the original material selected by Henry Bettenson, Chris Maunder has added a substantial section of more recent writings. These illustrate the Second Vatican Council; the theologies of liberation; Church and State from 'Thatcher's Britain' to Communist Eastern Europe; Black, feminist, and ecological theology; ecumenism; and inner-faith dialogue. The emphasis on moral debate in the contemporary Christianity is reflected in selections dealing with, for example, homosexuality, divorce, AIDS, and in-vitro fertilization. Documents of the Christian Church thus provides insights into the whole 2000 years of Christian theological and political debate.
