Protestantism, Second Edition explores the origins, customs, and history of Protestantism, from its beginnings in the Middle Ages to its role in today's world. Current issues, such as the development of new religious denominations, abortion, gay and woman priesthood, and the relationship between religion and politics, are explored within the framework of the fundamental moral tenets of the faith. This volume also examines the political diversity among people of the Protestant faith. All material has been updated, revised, and expanded to reflect the most current information on this religion, including new photographs and rewritten chapters. Its coverage includes: introduction to the Protestant world; the origins of Protestantism; the history of Protestantism; branches of Protestantism and their basic beliefs; rites of passage; the impact of Protestantism; and, Protestantism facing new challenges.