Global Gospel: An Introduction to Christianity on Five Continents - Paperback

by Douglas Jacobsen (Author)

In this pathbreaking book, award-winning author Douglas Jacobsen describes global Christianity and provides a framework for understanding the varied experiences of Christians around the world. Focusing on the five big continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America, Jacobsen recounts their differing histories, contemporary experiences, and cultural theologies. In the current era of massive and dynamic global challenges, this accessible and fair-minded volume sets the stage for Christians worldwide to engage the gospel--and each other--more deeply. Global Gospel contains numerous maps, charts, and illustrations that aid comprehension. Accompanying videos can be found on YouTube's "Global Christianity" channel (www.youtube.com/globalchristianity).

Back Jacket

Douglas Jacobsen has provided a succinct, well-organized, and clearly written historical account of contemporary Christianity as a truly global religion. Broad coverage of geographical regions and theological traditions--including very helpful graphs, charts, and bibliography--underscores the book's emphasis on diversity. For a Christian world that is continuing to change with unprecedented speed, Global Gospel offers unusually perceptive guidance.
--Mark A. Noll, University of Notre Dame; author of Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity

"What sets Global Gospel apart from other world Christianity textbooks is its masterful interweaving of historical narrative and theological analysis; helpful inclusion of figures, sidebars, and demographic data and trends; and expert deployment of primary sources and the best scholarship in the field. It provides teachers an invaluable resource to frame their lectures and spur discussion. Students will be informed, initiated, and inspired. We are all indebted to Douglas Jacobsen."
--Amos Yong, author of Renewing Christian Theology: Systematics for a Global Christianity

"As someone who teaches courses in global Christianity, I can testify to the need for this book: a fine, comprehensive introduction to the astonishing diversity of the worldwide church. Jacobsen does not minimize real differences, but he does urge and enable readers to recognize their relationship with parts of the church they may find strange, even disturbing. I particularly appreciate how his background makes him especially sensitive to the sometimes-neglected stream of Pentecostalism. This book will be a useful guide for years to come."
--Michael Kinnamon, former general secretary, National Council of Churches; New Theological Seminary of the West

"Douglas Jacobsen has accomplished a rare--and much-welcomed--feat. His Global Gospel is uncomplicated and accessible in style yet encyclopedic in content. Writing with equal parts clarity and comprehensiveness, Jacobsen has created a text that introduces the histories of the Christian churches around the world. With its helpful graphics and lucid writing, this book is sure to become a standard textbook and reference work for years to come."
--Todd E. Johnson, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Douglas Jacobsen (PhD, University of Chicago) is distinguished professor of church history and theology at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is the author or coauthor of ten books including The World's Christians: Who They Are, Where They Are, and How They Got There and Gracious Christianity.