Combining highly readable essays on history and culture, profiles of individual church bodies, and country-by-country discussions of the current state of Christianity in the Middle East, this well-researched volume provides an informed introduction to the diverse--now widely marginalized-----Christian minority in a volatile part of the world.

Recognizing the rapidly shifting nature of both politics and demographics in this unstable region, Betty Jane and J. Martin Bailey have provided timely updates to their rich trove of information in this second edition of their landmark book.