Christian Literature

Alister E McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University, and Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.

"Pastors who want sermon illustrations to be more than vignettes, teachers who introduce Western literary, church or spiritual history, and readers who want new ideas for a book club will all find Alister McGrath's Christian Literature anthology accessible, helpful and affordable. McGrath really has done a commendable job in pulling together most of the best in a pedagological framework that is helpful to student and teacher alike." Robbie Castleman, National Co-ordinator, The Religious & Theological Studies Fellowship"I am profoundly grateful for this book, which sets out to introduce students to primary texts across a vast spectrum of literature. The basic layout of each chapter is clear and helpful and the 'Questions for Discussion' are sharp and should focus reading appropriately. In short, this is a very useful workhorse of a book, a way into the riches of literature and a careful guide to the difficult field of literature and theology." David Jasper, Theology "The provision of clear and succinct introductory summaries of the historical and social context to which writers belonged should prove of considerable worth." The Expository Times "This large anthology gathers a rich, varied and wisely selected sampling of texts drawn from writings spanning Christianity's two millennia. Helpful contextualising and interpretive introductions to each period and each text, along with study and discussion questions, render the collection reader friendly." Religious Studies Review

• Preface xiHow to Use This Work xviThe Structure of the Work xviiiPart I The Patristic Period, ca. 100–600Part II English and Irish Sources, ca. 600–1050Part III The Middle Ages, 1050–1500Part IV The Renaissance and Reformation, 1500–1700Part V The Modern Period, 1700–2000A Glossary of Terms 753Sources of Extracts 761For Further Reading 769Acknowledgments 771Index 774