Includes index

This selection of writings from the most important moments in the history of Christianity has become established as a classic reference work, providing insights into 2000 years of Christian theological and political debate.

Previously published in series The world's classics (1943) ( )

Appears to be a comprehensive collection of the known "documents" found so far, up to 1999. Consider that these are the "important" documents:

Section I - Church and World.
(I) Starts with Classical references to Christianity (very broadly inclusive, e.g. Tacitus, whose Annales never mentions Christ or Christians whose practices remotely correspond, but only a "Chrestus" cult which practiced infanticide, cannibalism, and incest, blamed by Nero for the great fire of Rome, 64 AD.)

a. Tacitus, Annales. (c. 60-120) Note missing volumes.
b. Suetonius, Vita Claudii, cf. Acts 18:2. "Chrestus", and quarrels among teachers. Nero banned certain entertainments.
c. Pliny (the Younger) (62-c.113) Plin. Epp.X (ad Traj.), xcvi. NB "deaconesses were tortured"; found nothing but a "depraved and extravagant superstition", but the temples are being deserted. NB "pamphlets published anonymously should carry no weight in any charge whatsoever".

(II) Christianity and ancient learning.
(a) Justin (c 150) - Liberal view - Christ as stoic's Word, accounted as "atheist".
(b) Tertullian (c 160-240) - Negative view, Haereticorum. Decries any dialectic.
(c) Clement of Alexandria (c.200) - Liberal, Stromateis. Philosophy brought the Greeks to Christ as Law brought the Hebrews, paving perfection.

(III) Church and State.

Here, I simply provide the remaining Table of Contents. Solid institutional juice, with virtually no "evidence" of divinity. Truly striking: Christians document the absence of divinity with their proof of secular institutions and an empire of power.

Section II Creeds.
Section III Earliest Testimony to the Gospels
Section IV Person and Work of Christ
Citing Ignatius, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Dionysius of Rome, Athanasius, and those persecuted as heretics--Docetism, Gnosticism, etc. None of these describes a unique actual human being.
Section V Problem of Divinity and Humanity of Christ
Section VI Pelagianism: Human Nature, Sin and Grace
Section VII Church, Ministry, Sacraments
Section VIII Authority of the Holy See
Section IX Doctrine and Development: Vincentian Canon.
Section X Christian Inscriptions.
"...it is not right to mourn one who lives in God"
Part II. From Chalcedon to Present.
Section I. From Chalcedon to Breach between East and West.
Section II. Empire and Papacy [Charlemagne's empire]
Section III. Monasticism and Friars.
Section IV. Church and Heresy
Section V. Conciliar Movement.
Section VI. Scholasticism.
Section VII. Church in England and Reformation.
Section VIII. Reformation on the Continent.
Section IX. Reformation in England
Section X. Roman Catholic Church and Counter-Reformation to the 2d Vat.
Section XI. British Churches in the 17th Century.
Section XII. British Churches in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Section XIII. Roman Catholic Church at the 2d Vatican Council.
Section XIV. Twentieth Century World Churches: Justice, Peace, and the Environment.
Section XV. Twentieth Century World Churches and Interfaith Dialogue.
Section XVI. Twentieth Century World Churches and Christian Unity.
Section XVII. Twentieth Century World Churches: Sexuality and Procreation. ( )

This selection of writings from the most important moments in the history of Christianity has become established as a classic reference work, providing insights into 2000 years of Christian theological and political debate.

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 inter-faith dialogue. The emphasis on moral debate in the contemporary churches is reflected in selections discussing questions about homosexuality, divorce, AIDS, and in-vitro fertilization, amongst other issues.

This further expanded fourth edition brings the anthology up-to-date with a new section looking at issues facing the twenty-first century churches. This includes extracts exploring the churches' responses to questions of social justice, international politics, trade and debt, environmental change, and technological development. New material also covers the global growth of Christianity, the progress of Christian unity, and mission in multi-faith and postmodern societies.

Review
"Extremely useful for students of Church history because it gives them exposure to the primary texts upon which their textbook accounts are based."--John Mackett, Elmbrook Christian Study Center

"A fine collection of the most important source materials for the history of Christianity."--The Christian Century

"No student of church history can afford to be without it."--The Churchman

"Excellent illustrative and primary source material."--Terry A. Chaney, Ozark Christian College

"'Documents' is a time-proven collection of some of the most significant writings in the history of Christianity. This compilation leads the earnest student of church history beyond second-hand appropriation and straight into the character and spirit of the people and movements which have given shape to the Church of Christ through the ages."--Brad Creed, George W. Truett Theological Seminary

"Very good on early reformation church historical documents. Would like to have seen more material related to American church history."--David C. Hard, Philadelphia College of Bible

"Great selection of sources."--Dr. Don Bowdle, Lee College

"A vital and concise source, along with narrative history, for hands-on encounter with the Christian tradition."--Professor David P. Whitelaw, Point Loma Nazarene College

"Text ranks with the classics, in pulling together into one volume a multiplied number of significant quotes and historic documents from throughout Church History."--Melvin H. Shoemaker, Azuso Pacific University
About the Author
Chris Maunder is Head of BA Theology and Religious Studies at York St. John University.