Christianity has often been marked by great diversity - in the Bible, in the early centuries, within the life of each denomination and between the different churches. This diversity is growing as Christianity becomes rooted in the Americas, Africa and Asia and as it responds to secularization in Europe which was once its base and to a resurgent fundamentalistic trend of Islam in many other parts. In this volume the author starts with an examination of the world-wide Christian Church throughout history and goes on to assess the contemporary trends in Christianity which seem most significant as the year 2000 approaches. Catholics, Evangelicals, radicals and others offer policies for growth and consolidation to their fellow-Christians. David Edwards argues that a much closer communion is possible amid the diversity, and offers grounds for hope amid the many problems. He claims that diversity need not mean confusion and feels that despite some disquieting signs, the Church of Christ is vibrant today.