I am respectful of the vast amount of research the author had to have done to produce this book, as it covers 2000 years and every corner of the world.

There are chapters devoted to the impact of Christianity on culture and thought, the arts, the landscape, education, people and the world, way of life, the changing world, and the current situation. Hence, the big picture is presented and illustrated via numerous examples in many places and times.

The author does not preach. He teaches, and often with a touch of humor, but in everything, with respect.

The question, "What has Christianity ever done for us?" leads one to think of the humbling flip side, "What have we, who call ourselves Christian, ever done for Christianity?" While my Stone-Campbell religious heritage is not mentioned, I am led to ponder its role in relation to these questions.

Ideally, one should read this book with others so it could be discussed and savored together as a meal.

The book contains numerous beautifully produced color pictures throughout. It includes many quotations to help illustrate the material. There is an index. ( )