Christian History: an Introduction

A major new introduction to the global history of Christianity, written by one of the world's leading theologians and author of numerous bestselling textbooks. Provides a truly global review by exploring the development of Christianity and related issues in Asia, Latin America and Africa, and not just focusing on Western concernsSpanning more than two millennia and combining elements of theology, history, and culture, it traces the development of all three branches of Christianity - Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox - providing context to Christianity's origins and its.

Cover; Title page; Copyright page; Brief Contents; Full Contents; Maps and Illustrations; How to Use This Book; 1: The Early Church, 100-500; 1.1. Setting the Context: The Origins of Christianity; 1.1.1. The Crucible: The History of Israel; 1.1.2. A Wider Context: The Pagan Quest for Wisdom; 1.1.3. The Turning Point: Jesus of Nazareth; 1.1.4. The Early Spread of Christianity; 1.1.5. The Apostolic Age; 1.1.6. Women in Apostolic Christianity; 1.1.7. Christianity and Judaism: A Complex Relationship; 1.2. Early Christianity and the Roman Empire; 1.2.1. The Roman Empire, c. 100.

1.2.2. Christianity and the Imperial Cult1.2.3. Christianity and Judaism: Marcion of Sinope; 1.2.4. Christianity and Pagan Culture: Justin Martyr; 1.2.5. Early Christian Worship and Life; 1.3. Early Christianity and the Hellenistic World; 1.3.1. The Greek-Speaking World, c. 200; 1.3.2. The Challenge of Gnosticism: Irenaeus of Lyons; 1.3.3. The Challenge of Platonism: Clement of Alexandria and Origen; 1.3.4. Christianity and the Cities: Alexandria and Antioch; 1.3.5. Monasticism: A Reaction against the Cities; 1.3.6. The Cult of Thecla: Women and the Churches.

1.4. The Imperial Religion: The Conversion of Cons…