Includes bibliographical references and index.

Chapter 1. The origins of Catholicism -- 1. The source of Christianity / John C. Dwyer -- 2. The role of St. Peter / Stephen K. Ray -- 3. Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity / Hans A. Pohlsander -- 4. The church during the middle ages / H.W. Crocker III -- 5. The contributions of the monastic orders / Charles De Montalembert -- chapter 2. The evolution of the church -- 1. The Spanish Inquisition / Henry Kamen -- 2. Protestant reformers break away from the Catholic church / Madeleine A. Gray -- 3. The Catholic counterreformation / John C. Dwyer -- 4. The Enlightenment's challenge to Catholicism / Jonathan Hill -- 5. The immaculate conception / Pius IX -- Chapter 3. The Catholic church in the twentieth century -- 1. The debate over the church's role during World War II / John Davis and Robert McCormick -- 2. The impact of the Vatican II council / John W. O'Malley -- 3. The Catholic church seeks dialogue with other Christian denominations / Paul VI -- 4. The church's stand against artificial contraception / Paul VI -- 5. Pope John Paul II's influence / Jonathan Kwitny -- Chapter 4. Contemporary developments and debates -- 1. Catholics, abortion, and the death penalty / James D. Davidson -- 2. The sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic church / Mitchell C. Pacwa -- 3. The changing role of women in the Catholic church / Mary Ann Glendon -- 4. In support of same-sex marriage / Andrew Sullivan -- 5. In defense of traditional marriage / United States Conference of Catholic Bishops -- Appendix -- Chronology.