Religion

Existing elements of pagan midwinter rites fused with the developing theology of Christmas in an appeal to the senses of both sacred and lay.

Gerald Kennedy shows how a fear of revolution and the growing strength of organised labour created tensions in Britain after the end of the First World War. Men such as 'Woodbine Willie' attempted to defuse the situation by preaching the gospel of 'Christian Socialism' at mass meetings across the country.

James Graham-Campbell looks at the persisting image of the Vikings as pagan raiders striking at isolated Christian settlements. But is this the whole truth? And how and why did the Vikings adopt Christianity?

Francis Robinson takes a look at how Muslims breached the culture gap with the western world.

Was the Protestant Church of Elizabeth the catalyst for a new patriotism, based on a special sense of English destiny and divine guidance?

J K Elliot examines sources on the New Testament and early Christians.

'Trappings of popery and rags of the beast'. Mince-pies, mummers, holly and church services all fell victim to a determined Puritan attempt to stamp out the celebration of Christmas under the Commonwealth.

The history of ecclesiastical structures? The link between denominations and social change? The history of Christian doctrine? The study of formal beliefs? What people believed? Eight historians answer the question...

Robin Gwynn examines the arrival of Huguenot French to England in the 17th century.

For the past 600 years the island of Java has been the scene for the encounter of the two major cultural and religious traditions of the world.