This is an accessible two-part introduction to Christianity's expansion. The Expansion of Christianity Christianity developed from its beginnings as a persecuted sect in an outpost of the Roman empire to become the largest religion on earth. This narrative focuses on missionary pioneers, and also examines individual continents to assess how Christian mission has moved forward despite many periods of retreat. Timothy Yates's account provides a rich and enlightening introduction to the development of this major worldwide faith. Christianity and the Celts In recent years the term 'Celt' has become synonymous with mystery and the 'other-worldly'. Ted Olsen digs beneath the layers of romanticization to introduce readers to the world of the Celts and its key figures. The author focuses on the principal characters from Ireland and beyond, highlighting their missionary fervour and monastic ideals. In bringing a distant period of history vividly to life, this account is an engaging portrait of men and women whose ability to intrigue and fascinate is as strong as it ever was.

'This account of a fascinating and neglected life makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of twentieth century British evangelicalism and overseas missions.' (John Wolffe, Professor of Religious History, Open University)

'The family lived through stirring times and Canon Houghton's life was one of some drama, subject like St Paul to shipwreck and some dangers on the mission field, followed by much labour at home for the missionary society and many other Christian bodies and causes.' (Timothy Yates, author)

'One of the Lord's great servants on earth. He was not only a dedicated evangelical leader in Britain, but a warm personal friend and supporter of mine for which I am very grateful.' (Billy Graham)

'His life and character exemplified the four marks of the Christian Church mentioned by our Lord: a concern for truth, a concern for holiness, a concern for mission, and a concern for unity.' (John Stott)

'Canon Houghton, a missionary statesman and a man of great stature. He was invariably supportive and encouraging.' (John B. Taylor, former Bishop of St Albans)

This study provides a much-needed historical overview of the main developments in the theory and practice of Christian mission in this century. Part 1 describes the great missionary conferences of Edinburgh 1910, Jerusalem 1928, and Tambaram, Madras 1938, with particular emphasis on Christian responses to Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and secular interpretations of religious life. In Part 2, the developing pluralism of the modern world is addressed by way of Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and evangelical documents, and through diverse contemporaneous thinkers.

'This account of a fascinating and neglected life makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of twentieth century British evangelicalism and overseas missions.' (John Wolffe, Professor of Religious History, Open University)

'The family lived through stirring times and Canon Houghton's life was one of some drama, subject like St Paul to shipwreck and some dangers on the mission field, followed by much labour at home for the missionary society and many other Christian bodies and causes.' (Timothy Yates, author)

'One of the Lord's great servants on earth. He was not only a dedicated evangelical leader in Britain, but a warm personal friend and supporter of mine for which I am very grateful.' (Billy Graham)

'His life and character exemplified the four marks of the Christian Church mentioned by our Lord: a concern for truth, a concern for holiness, a concern for mission, and a concern for unity.' (John Stott)

'Canon Houghton, a missionary statesman and a man of great stature. He was invariably supportive and encouraging.' (John B. Taylor, former Bishop of St Albans)