This ground-breaking book challenges readers to rethink the divide between liberal and orthodox approaches which characterizes Christianity today.

Ian S. Markham's argument centers around the issue of Christianity's engagement with non-Christian traditions. He takes issue with those people who see this engagement as a submission to modernity, arguing that throughout its history Christianity has in fact been enriched by its association with other traditions. The book draws on a range of illuminating examples, including extensive discussion of key figures such as Augustine of Hippo, as well as specific cases involving human rights, state sovereignty, feminism, black theology, economics, and ethics.

Ian S. Markham is Dean of Hartford Seminary, Connecticut and Professor of Theology and Ethics. He is the author of numerous books, including Plurality and Christian Ethics (1994) and Truth and the Reality of God (1999). For Blackwell Publishing he has edited A World Religions Reader (second edition, 1999) and Encountering Religion (2000). He is the editor of Conversations in Religion and Theology.