Christianity

Faith Guides for Higher Education

Christianity

A Guide to Christianity

Gregory A. Barker

Faith Guides for Higher Education

A Guide to Christianity

Gregory A. Barker Series editor: Gary R. Bunt Copy editor: Julie Closs Copyright © the Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies, 2005 (formerly PRS-LTSN) All pictures © Gary R. Bunt, 2005 Published by the Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies (formerly PRS-LTSN) Higher Education Academy School of Theology and Religious Studies University of Leeds LS2 9JT First Published November 2005 Reprinted July 2007 ISBN 0-9544524-4-5 All rights reserved. Except for quotation of short passages for the purposes of criticism and review, and for use in learning and teaching contexts in UK higher and further education, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication and the other titles in the series, neither the publisher, series editor, or author is responsible for applications and uses of the information contained within. The Subject Centre takes no responsibility for the content of external websites listed in this guide.

Printed by Alden Group Limited, Oxford, UK

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CONTENTS

PREFACE TO THE FAITH GUIDE SERIES NOTES ON THE AUTHOR 1. INTRODUCING CHRISTIANITY

ORIGINS KEY DIVISIONS AND TURNING POINTS IN CHURCH HISTORY UK CALENDAR OF CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS UK PRESENCE AND DIVERSITY DEBUNKING COMMON STEREOTYPES IV V

2 2 3 6 8 10 12 12 12 14 15 16 17 17 19 20 20

2. SPECIFIC ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

KEY SENSITIVITIES MORAL, ETHICAL AND SPIRITUAL ISSUES PARTICIPATION RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EMPLOYABILITY ISSUES

3. RESOURCES

CHRISTIAN BODIES IN THE UK SOME WEBSITES POPULAR AMONGST CHRISTIAN STUDENTS CHRISTIANITY IN THE UK...