Beginning with the initial transmission of Jesus' teaching throughout the Roman world, this expansive history follows the astounding development of Christianity within Europe. From the religion's earliest days through the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, its development in the scientific age of the 17th and 18th centuries on, and its place in the modern world, Christianity's role in transforming and shaping the cultural, social, political, and intellectual progress of the continent is traced. The accessible and informative narrative is complemented by boxed texts highlighting key events and concepts, such as monastic life, the development of icons, the impact of Darwin's The Origin of Species, the rise of prophecy, and the influence of psychology.