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The History of Christianity: A Journey Through Two Millennia
Christianity, one of the world's largest religions, boasts a rich and complex history spanning two thousand years. From its humble beginnings in Roman-occupied Judea to its global influence today, its journey is marked by periods of intense persecution, explosive growth, internal divisions, and profound societal impact. This comprehensive guide delves into the key eras and pivotal moments shaping the history of Christianity, providing a nuanced understanding of its evolution and enduring legacy.
I. The Early Church and the Apostolic Age (c. 30-100 AD): Seeds of Faith
The story begins with Jesus of Nazareth, whose teachings and crucifixion formed the foundation of the Christian faith. The early followers, initially a small Jewish sect, spread the Gospel message throughout the Roman Empire. This period, often referred to as the Apostolic Age, witnessed the establishment of the first Christian communities and the writing of the New Testament. Key figures like Paul the Apostle played crucial roles in expanding Christianity beyond its Jewish roots, adapting its message for a wider audience and establishing churches across the Mediterranean world. The absence of centralized leadership during this time contributed to the development of diverse theological interpretations and practices, setting the stage for future internal conflicts.
II. Persecution and Growth (c. 100-313 AD): Facing Adversity
The early church faced relentless persecution under various Roman emperors. Christians, perceived as a subversive threat to Roman authority, endured imprisonment, torture, and martyrdom. However, these trials ironically fueled the faith’s growth. The shared experience of suffering forged a sense of unity and strengthened the believers' commitment. The growing number of converts, many drawn to the faith's message of hope and salvation, gradually eroded the effectiveness of the Roman persecutions. The development of a distinct Christian identity, separate from Judaism, also contributed to its expansion.
#### II.A. The Rise of Heresies:
This period also saw the emergence of various heresies – beliefs deviating significantly from accepted Christian doctrine. Groups like the Gnostics challenged orthodox interpretations of scripture and the nature of Jesus Christ. The need to define and defend Christian orthodoxy led to the development of theological frameworks and the rise of influential figures who sought to articulate and safeguard the faith's core tenets. Early church councils, such as the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), played a critical role in addressing these theological disputes and establishing a more unified Christian doctrine.
III. The Triumph of Christianity and the Rise of the Church (c. 313-476 AD): From Persecution to Power
The Edict of Milan in 313 AD marked a turning point. Emperor Constantine's legalization of Christianity led to its rapid ascent to become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire. The conversion of Constantine and subsequent emperors provided the Church with significant political influence and resources. This period witnessed the construction of magnificent churches, the development of a complex ecclesiastical hierarchy, and the integration of Christian values into Roman law and society. However, the newfound power also brought challenges, including the increasing involvement of the Church in worldly affairs and the gradual erosion of its initial simplicity and purity.
#### III.A The Development of Church Structure:
The transition from a decentralized network of communities to a structured hierarchical organization, with bishops, priests, and deacons, was crucial for the Church's growth and stability. This structured approach allowed for greater efficiency in administering religious affairs and managing the expanding Christian population. The establishment of monastic orders offered a path for those seeking a life dedicated solely to spiritual pursuits.
IV. The Medieval Church (c. 476-1500 AD): Faith and Feudalism
The fall of the Western Roman Empire marked the beginning of the medieval period, a time characterized by the Church's dominant influence over European society. The papacy rose to prominence as the leading religious authority, shaping political landscapes and influencing artistic and intellectual life. The Crusades, while religiously motivated, had significant political and economic consequences. The medieval period also witnessed the rise of Scholasticism, a philosophical approach that attempted to reconcile faith and reason. The construction of grand cathedrals became a testament to the Church’s wealth and power.
V. The Reformation and Beyond (c. 1517-Present): Challenges and Renewal
The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, dramatically altered the course of Christianity. The Reformation challenged the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church, leading to the emergence of various Protestant denominations. This period was marked by religious wars, theological debates, and missionary efforts that spread Christianity across the globe. The Enlightenment and subsequent scientific advancements further challenged traditional religious beliefs, leading to secularization and the rise of religious pluralism in many parts of the world.
Conclusion:
The history of Christianity is a dynamic narrative of growth, transformation, and enduring impact. From its origins in a small Jewish sect to its current global presence, the faith has adapted, evolved, and influenced civilizations across continents. Understanding this history provides valuable insights into the development of Western civilization, the dynamics of religious belief, and the enduring power of faith.
FAQs:
1. What is the significance of the Council of Nicaea? The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) was crucial in defining the doctrine of the Trinity and establishing a unified Christian belief system regarding the nature of God.
2. How did the Roman Empire's attitude towards Christianity change over time? Initially persecuting Christians, the Roman Empire eventually legalized and adopted Christianity as its official religion, greatly influencing its growth and power.
3. What were the major causes of the Protestant Reformation? The Reformation stemmed from criticisms of Catholic Church practices, such as indulgences, and a desire for a more direct relationship with God, leading to a schism within Christianity.
4. How has Christianity adapted to globalization? Christianity has adapted through missionary work, the formation of diverse denominations reflecting cultural contexts, and engagement with contemporary issues in global society.
5. What are some of the key theological debates that have shaped Christianity? Key theological debates include the nature of the Trinity, the relationship between God and humanity, salvation, and the authority of scripture.
| history of christianity: History of Christianity Paul Johnson, 2012-03-27 First published in 1976, Paul Johnson’s exceptional study of Christianity has been loved and widely hailed for its intensive research, writing, and magnitude—“a tour de force, one of the most ambitious surveys of the history of Christianity ever attempted and perhaps the most radical” (New York Review of Books). In a highly readable companion to books on faith and history, the scholar and author Johnson has illuminated the Christian world and its fascinating history in a way that no other has. Johnson takes off in the year AD 49 with his namesake the apostle Paul. Thus beginning an ambitious quest to paint the centuries since the founding of a little-known ‘Jesus Sect’, A History of Christianity explores to a great degree the evolution of the Western world. With an unbiased and overall optimistic tone, Johnson traces the fantastic scope of the consequent sects of Christianity and the people who followed them. Information drawn from extensive and varied sources from around the world makes this history as credible as it is reliable. Invaluable understanding of the framework of modern Christianity—and its trials and tribulations throughout history—has never before been contained in such a captivating work. |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity Diarmaid MacCulloch, 2010 From a prize-winning author, this book charts the course of Christianity from ancient history onwards. |
| history of christianity: A Short Introduction to the History of Christianity Tim Dowley, 2018-06-01 Tim Dowley's masterful one-volume survey of church history is now available in a new concise format designed with today's student in mind. Each section of Dowley's Introduction to the History of Christianity has been reviewed and content edited to create a more compact summary of Christian history. This new, shorter introduction retains the full-color format of the popular full edition, including the third edition's new images and maps. Dowley has assembled a global cast of respected scholars to write the full story of the rise of the Christian faith and to provide a rounded picture of the worldwide development of Christianity. The volume has been praised as accurate, scholarly, and balanced. Its writers are committed to Christianity but also to the unhindered pursuit of truth that does not avoid the darker aspects of the varied story of Christianity. The accessible text is supported by detailed timelines, maps, profiles of key figures in Christianity, colorful images, and a complete glossary. Each section includes questions for discussion. |
| history of christianity: The Essential History of Christianity Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, 2012-10-18 The history of Christianity can seem dauntingly complex: it covers two thousand years and involves virtually every corner of the earth. It has shaped the world as we know it today. The Essential History of Christianity covers both the key historical events and the big picture. Miranda Threlfall-Holmes helps us to understand what has gone on in the past, and sheds light on our present experiences of churches, religion, spirituality and religious conflict. She also gives important clues about what might happen in the future. This entertaining and accessible guide makes sense of a fascinating subject, providing a clear overview of the broad sweep of Christian history, and is indispensible for those beginning to study Christianity or the Church. |
| history of christianity: A Brief History of Christianity Carter Lindberg, 2009-02-04 Charting the rise and development of Christianity, Carter Lindberg has succeeded in writing a concise and compelling history of the world’s largest religion. He spans over 2,000 years of colorful incident to give an authoritative history of Christianity for both the general reader and the beginning student. Ranges from the missionary journeys of the apostles to the tele-evangelism of the twenty-first century. Demonstrates how the Christian community received and forged its identity from its development of the Bible to the present day. Covers topics fundamental to understanding the course of Western Christianity, including the growth of the papacy, heresy and schism, reformation and counter-reformation. Includes an introduction to the historiography of Christianity, a note on the problems of periodization, an appendix on theological terms, and a useful bibliography. An authoritative yet succinct history, written to appeal to a general audience as well as students of the history of Christianity. Written by internationally regarded theologian, Carter Lindberg, who is the author of numerous titles on theology and Church history. |
| history of christianity: A New History of Early Christianity Charles Freeman, 2009-01-01 Tracing the astonishing transformation that the early Christian church underwent - from sporadic niches of Christian communities surviving in the wake of a horrific crucifixion to sanctioned alliance with the state - Charles Freeman shows how freedom of thought was curtailed by the development of the concept of faith. The imposition of 'correct belief' and an institutional framework that enforced orthodoxy were both consolidating and stifling. Uncovering the church's relationships with Judaism, Gnosticism, Greek philosophy and Greco-Roman society, Freeman offers dramatic new accounts of Paul, the resurrection, and the church fathers and emperors.--BOOK JACKET. |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada Mark A. Noll, 1992-08-11 Author Mark Noll presents the unfolding drama of American Christianity with accuracy and skill, from the first European settlements to ecumenism in the late 20th Century. This work has become a standard in the field of North American religious history. |
| history of christianity: A World History of Christianity Adrian Hastings, 2000-07-05 This superb volume provides the first genuinely global one-volume history of the rise and development of the Christian faith. An international team of specialists takes seriously the geographical diversity of the Christian story, discussing the impact of Christianity not only in the West but also in Latin America, Africa, India, the Orient and Australasia. |
| history of christianity: A New History of Christianity Hans J. Hillerbrand, 2012-08-01 This book is a history of Christianity from its earliest beginnings to the end of the twentieth century. The book provides students with an introduction to the many persons, places, movements, and events necessary for the telling of our story, the story of the Church. This history of Christianity is told in its essentials, simply and straightforwardly for students with little or no experience in the academic study of religion. It is a story told within the complex contexts of larger world events and world cultures, but defined and simplified by attention to those developments which have proven most influential for the past and present shaping of Church thought and practice. The book is a comprehensive and definitive introduction to the history of Christianity. It provides students with the necessary outline and description of the broad sweep of movements and periods in this history, but it also pauses at important points to provide details about the lives of Christians as lived at various times and in various locations. This story is told in easy-to-understand prose and with illustrative photographs, maps and charts. |
| history of christianity: The Lost History of Christianity John Philip Jenkins, 2008-10-16 The New York Times bestselling history of early Christianity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East—from “one of America’s best scholars of religion” (The Economist). In this groundbreaking book, renowned scholar Philip Jenkins explores a vast and forgotten network of the world’s largest and most influential Christian churches that existed to the east of the Roman Empire. These churches and their leaders ruled the Middle East for centuries and became the chief administrators and academics in the new Muslim empire. The author recounts the shocking history of how these churches—those that had the closest link to Jesus and the early church—eventually died. Jenkins offers a new lens through which to view our world today, including the current conflicts in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Without this lost history, we lack an important element for understanding our collective religious past. By understanding the forgotten catastrophe that befell Christianity, we can appreciate the surprising new births that are occurring in our own time, once again making Christianity a true world religion. |
| history of christianity: Cambridge History of Christianity: Volume 1, Origins to Constantine Margaret M. Mitchell, Frances M. Young, K. Scott Bowie, |
| history of christianity: A Short History of Christianity Martin E. Marty, 1987-01-01 For the non-specialist, Martin Marty traces the church's quest through twenty centuries for unity, sanctity, universality, and authentic witness. He delves into the disparity between the ideals of the church and historical realty in order to provide a brilliant, instructive, and eminently fair statement of the history of Christianity from its founding to the present day.In this second edition, revised and expanded, Marty has added an entirely new section entitled Postscript and Prescript in which he discusses the recent past and prospects. Fresh insights and revisions based on the most recent contemporary developments keep this volume abreast of the times, making it an up-to-date survey of the history of Christianity. |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity in the World Clyde Leonard Manschreck, 1985 A chronological history of Christianity from the early church to the present, indicating the forces and ideas that shaped the past and are shaping the present. |
| history of christianity: Medieval Christianity Kevin Madigan, 2015-01-01 A new narrative history of medieval Christianity, spanning from A.D. 500 to 1500, focuses on the role of women in Christianity; the relationships among Christians, Jews and Muslims; the experience of ordinary parishioners; the adventure of asceticism, devotion and worship; and instruction through drama, architecture and art. |
| history of christianity: History of Christianity Edward Gibbon, 1891 |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity: Volume I Kenneth S. Latourette, 1975-10-15 The most useful survey of Christian history for the student or general reader, fully updated by a team of respected scholars. |
| history of christianity: Introduction to the History of Christianity George Herring, 2006-09 Christianity is the world’s largest religion, and has had a profound impact on the course of civilization. Introduction to the History of Christianity is a beautifully crafted and clearly written introduction to Christianity over its 2000 year history. The broad underlying theme of the book is the interaction between Christianity and the secular world, exploring how one has shaped and been shaped by the other. The volume does not attempt to cover the whole of Christian history in detail. It focuses on three key chronological periods pivotal in the development of Christianity: Christ and Caesar, Christianity circa 300–500; Expansion and Order, Latin Christendom, circa 1050–1250; and Grace and Authority, Western Christianity, circa 1450–1650, as well as a concluding section on Christianity in the modern world, providing illustrative snapshots of the tradition over the course of its long development. In addition, the volume includes maps, timelines, quotations from primary source material, a glossary, and a further reading section. No staid, laborious introduction to its subject, Introduction to the History of Christianity offers an inviting and informative overview of this rich religious tradition. |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity in Africa Elizabeth Isichei, 1995 Isichei's thorough study surveys the full breadth of Christianity in Africa, from the early story of Egyptian Christianity to the churches of the Middle Years (1500-1800) to the prolific success of missions throughout the 1900s. This important book fills a conspicuous void of scholarly works on Africa's Christian history. Includes 26 maps. |
| history of christianity: A Secret History of Christianity Mark Vernon, 2019-08-30 Christianity is in crisis in the West. The Inkling friend of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, Owen Barfield, analysed why. He developed an account of our spiritual predicament that is radical and illuminating. Barfield realized that the human experience of life shifts fundamentally over periods of cultural time. Our perception of nature, the cosmos and the divine changes dramatically across history. Mark Vernon uses this startling insight to tell the inner story of 3000 years of Christianity, beginning from the earliest Biblical times. Drawing, too, on the latest scholarship and spiritual questions of our day, he presents a gripping account of how Christianity constellated a new perception of what it is to be human. For 1500 years, this sense of things informed many lives, though it fell into crisis with the Reformation, scientific revolution and Enlightenment. But the story does not stop there. Barfield realised that there is meaning in the disenchantment and alienation experienced by many people today. It is part of a process that is remaking our sense of participation in the life of nature, the cosmos and the divine. It's a new stage in the evolution of human consciousness. |
| history of christianity: The Story of Christianity Jakob Balling, 2003 In order to highlight the long lines of continuity and development in the historical process of the religion, Balling (ancient and medieval church history, U. of Aarhus, Denmark) slides over many events that would illuminate the nuances and diversity of that process, and limits his study to European |
| history of christianity: Turning Points Mark A. Noll, 2000 Explores twelve pivotal events in the history of Christianity ranging from the fall of Jerusalem and the coronation of Charlemagne to the Edinburgh Missionary Conference. |
| history of christianity: Making Christian History Michael Hollerich, 2021-06-22 Known as the “Father of Church History,” Eusebius was bishop of Caesarea in Palestine and the leading Christian scholar of his day. His Ecclesiastical History is an irreplaceable chronicle of Christianity’s early development, from its origin in Judaism, through two and a half centuries of illegality and occasional persecution, to a new era of tolerance and favor under the Emperor Constantine. In this book, Michael J. Hollerich recovers the reception of this text across time. As he shows, Eusebius adapted classical historical writing for a new “nation,” the Christians, with a distinctive theo-political vision. Eusebius’s text left its mark on Christian historical writing from late antiquity to the early modern period—across linguistic, cultural, political, and religious boundaries—until its encounter with modern historicism and postmodernism. Making Christian History demonstrates Eusebius’s vast influence throughout history, not simply in shaping Christian culture but also when falling under scrutiny as that culture has been reevaluated, reformed, and resisted over the past 1,700 years. |
| history of christianity: Introduction to the History of Christianity Tim Dowley, 2018-06-01 Now in its third edition, Tim Dowley's masterful one-volume survey of church history has an updated design and new content, particularly in the section covering most recent Christian history. The inviting full-color format includes many new images and updated maps, while maintaining many of the features that made the second edition a popular volume for the classroom. Dowley has assembled a global cast of respected scholars to write the full story of the rise of the Christian faith and to provide a rounded picture of the worldwide development of Christianity. The volume has been praised as accurate, scholarly, and balanced. Its writers are committed to Christianity but also to the unhindered pursuit of truth that does not avoid the darker aspects of the varied story of Christianity. The accessible text is supported by detailed timelines, maps, profiles of key figures in Christianity, colorful images, and a complete glossary. Each section includes questions for discussion. |
| history of christianity: The Acts of the Apostles P.D. James, 1999-01-01 Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. It describes how the 12 apostles, formerly Jesus's disciples, spread the message of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean against a background of persecution. With an introduction by P.D. James |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada Mark A. Noll, 2019-10-17 A best-selling text thoroughly updated, including new chapters on the last 30 years An excellent study that will help historians appreciate the importance of Christianity in the history of the United States and Canada. – The Journal of American History “Scholars and general readers alike will gain unique insights into the multifaceted character of Christianity in its New World environment. Nothing short of brilliant.” – Harry S. Stout, Yale University “A new standard for textbooks on the history of North American Christianity.” – James Turner, University of Notre Dame Mark Noll’s A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada has been firmly established as the standard text on the Christian experience in North America. Now Noll has thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded his classic text to incorporate new materials and important themes, events, leaders, and changes of the last thirty years. Once again readers will benefit from his insights on the United States and Canada in this superb narrative survey of Christian churches, institutions, and cultural engagements from the colonial period through 2018. |
| history of christianity: A Short World History of Christianity, Revised Edition Robert Bruce Mullin, 2014-11-22 Church historians have long known and appreciated Christianity's global history. Until recently, however, introductory textbooks on the history of Christianity focused almost exclusively on Europe and North America. Robert Bruce Mullins's A Short World History of Christianity, by contrast, offers a panoramic picture of the history of Christianity in its Western and non-Western expressions. It tells the story of the early church in the Greek East as well as the Latin West; of Christianity's spread into Asia as well as Europe during the Middle Ages; and its explosion around the world during the modern period. Mullins's highly readable narrative explores why global perspectives have emerged so strongly in our understanding of the story of Christianity and how they have impacted Christianity's perspective on its place in the world. This newly revised edition adds information on such global phenomena as early Syriac-speaking Christianity; the growth of Pentecostalism around the world, especially in the southern hemisphere; and recent trends in Christianity, including the elevation of the first pope born in the Americas. A time line of key dates, call-out boxes, and other helpful study materials are also provided. Beginning students will appreciate this memorable introduction to the most important events in the history and development of Christianity. |
| history of christianity: A People's History of Christianity Diana Butler Bass, 2009-03-03 For too long, the history of Christianity has been told as the triumph of orthodox doctrine imposed through power and hierarchy. In A People's History of Christianity, historian and religion expert Diana Butler Bass reveals an alternate history that includes a deep social ethic and far-reaching inclusivity: the other side of the story is not a modern phenomenon, but has always been practiced within the church. Butler Bass persuasively argues that corrective—even subversive—beliefs and practices have always been hallmarks of Christianity and are necessary to nourish communities of faith. In the same spirit as Howard Zinn's groundbreaking work The People's History of the United States, Butler Bass's A People's History of Christianity brings to life the movements, personalities, and spiritual disciplines that have always informed and ignited Christian worship and social activism. A People's History of Christianity authenticates the vital, emerging Christian movements of our time, providing the historical evidence that celebrates these movements as thoroughly Christian and faithful to the mission and message of Jesus. |
| history of christianity: The History of the Origins of Christianity Ernest Renan, 1890 |
| history of christianity: The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity Matthew Kelly, 2018-08-15 Do you believe it's possible to be happier than you have ever been before? Not for fleeting moments, but consistently? Bestselling author Matthew Kelly believes it is possible-and in his latest book, The Biggest Lie, he explains how. We all want to be happy and live life to the fullest, but the answer isn't found in the world's definition of happiness. Modern culture is constantly feeding us lies, and these lies affect you more than you know. The lies that affect you the most, however, are the ones you tell yourself. These lies steal your joy, sap your energy, and cause you to lose hope. They prevent you from discovering the kind of vibrant faith the first Christians experienced. But as Matthew Kelly shows, we've arrived at a crucial moment in history. People are disillusioned with what the world offers. The world is in desperate need of change, and no one is in a better position to effect that change than Christians. We have an incredible opportunity to dispel the lies and cut through the confusion and false promises around us. This book provides the practical tools necessary to help you regain your fervor and leave your mark on the world-and experience more happiness than you thought possible. Together we can change the course of history-with humility, generosity, kindness, and joy, one Holy Moment at a time. |
| history of christianity: A People's History of Christianity Denis R. Janz, 2014-03-01 The seven volume A People’s History of Christianity was lauded on release for its commitment to raising awareness of the way in which lay Christians have lived throughout more than twenty centuries of Christian History. Now, the essential material from that important project is available for classroom use! Available as either a single volume or a two volume set, both represent careful selections and abridgements of the original content so that the importance of lay Christianity can be seen by students. |
| history of christianity: The Cambridge History of Christianity Augustine Casiday, Frederick W. Norris, 2014-07-31 This volume in the Cambridge History of Christianity presents the 'Golden Age' of patristic Christianity. After episodes of persecution by the Roman government, Christianity emerged as a licit religion enjoying imperial patronage and eventually became the favoured religion of the empire. The articles in this volume discuss the rapid transformation of Christianity during late antiquity, giving specific consideration to artistic, social, literary, philosophical, political, inter-religious and cultural aspects. The volume moves away from simple dichotomies and reductive schematizations (e.g., 'heresy v. orthodoxy') toward an inclusive description of the diverse practices and theories that made up Christianity at this time. Whilst proportional attention is given to the emergence of the Great Church within the Roman Empire, other topics are treated as well - such as the development of Christian communities outside the empire. |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity in India Stephen Neill, 1984-02-09 Christians form the third largest religious community in India. How has this come about? There are many studies of separate groups: but there has so far been no major history of the three large groups - Roman Catholic, Protestant and Thomas Christians (Syrians). This work attempts to meet the need for such a history. It goes right back to the beginning and traces the story through the ups and downs of at least fifteen centuries. It includes careful studies of the political and social background and of the non-Christian reactions to the Christian message. The narration is non-technical and should present few difficulties to the thoughtful reader; the more technical matters are dealt with in notes and appendices. This book will be of interest to all students of Church History and will also prove fascinating to many who are concerned with the development of Christianity as a world religion and in the dialogue between different forms of faith. |
| history of christianity: The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity John McManners, 2001-03-15 A general history of Christianity to 1800 in chronological order. |
| history of christianity: Zondervan Handbook to the History of Christianity Jonathan Hill, 2006 Filled with full-color photos and illustrations, this volume covers the complete history of the Christian faith. Contributors cover the full sweep of Christian history from the time of Jesus, through the church fathers and European history, and spreading throughout the globe on up to today. |
| history of christianity: A History of the Christian Church Williston Walker, 1918 |
| history of christianity: Writing the History of Early Christianity Markus Vinzent, 2019-03-14 Brings a new approach to the interpretation of the sources used to study the Early Christian era - reading history backwards. This book will interest teachers and students of New Testament studies from around the world of any denomination, and readers of early Christianity and Patristics. |
| history of christianity: A History of Christianity in Indonesia Jan Sihar Aritonang, Karel Adriaan Steenbrink, 2008 Indonesia is the home of the largest single Muslim community of the world. Its Christian community, about 10% of the population, has until now received no overall description in English. Through cooperation of 26 Indonesian and European scholars, Protestants and Catholics, a broad and balanced picture is given of its 24 million Christians. This book sketches the growth of Christianity during the Portuguese period (1511-1605), it presents a fair account of developments under the Dutch colonial administration (1605-1942) and is more elaborate for the period of the Indonesian Republic (since 1945). It emphasizes the regional differences in this huge country, because most Christians live outside the main island of Java. Muslim-Christian relations, as well as the tensions between foreign missionaries and local theology, receive special attention. |
| history of christianity: A Concise History of Christianity R. Dean Peterson, 2000 This brief and chronologically organized overview of the Christian religious tradition introduces students to the history of the Christian Church, describing the people, places, and ideas that have shaped Christianity. Written in a straightforward, accessible style, this text presents students with at survey of the scholarship of the discipline. |
| history of christianity: The Germanization of Early Medieval Christianity James C. Russell, 1996 Discusses German influence on the development of early medieval Christianity. |
| history of christianity: Introduction to the History of Christianity Tim Dowley, 2006 The most popular introductionto Christianity ever published,Dowley's work tells in an engagingway the dramatic, intriguing, andoften surprising story of Christiansin their 2000-year journey. Includesover 400 photographs and 30 maps,charts, and diagrams. The CD-ROM, new to this edition,contains the fully searchable textin Libronix software, chapter summaries and questions,Web links to further resources, and even a guide to doingresearch papers in this area. |
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Jan 16, 2024 · Robert Campin’s Marriage of the Virgin dramatically captures the split of early Christianity and Judaism. Scala/Art Resource, NY. Christianity and Judaism, two of the world’s …
Jesus and the Cross - Biblical Archaeology Society
Jan 25, 2024 · Throughout the world, images of the cross adorn the walls and steeples of churches. For some Christians, the cross is part of their daily attire worn around their necks. …
Christian Apocrypha: The “Lost Gospels”? - Biblical Archaeology …
Oct 20, 2024 · Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria wrote in the fourth century C.E. that the Christian apocrypha—texts that refer to the life of Jesus and his followers that are not included in the …
The Nag Hammadi Codices and Gnostic Christianity
Jan 14, 2024 · The Nag Hammadi codices, widely regarded as one of the most significant finds of the 20th century, revealed this complex religious milieu and offered an unparalleled glimpse …
The Archaeological Quest for the Earliest Christians
Feb 21, 2018 · Part one of a two-part examination. This is the first of two posts written by Dr. Douglas Boin on new archaeological and historical research in the study of early Christianity, …
5 Ways Women Participated in the Early Church
Mar 19, 2023 · Women also partook of the meal. (2) Women offered prayers. The Book of Acts describes how prayer was a central part of early Christian gatherings (e.g., Acts 1:14; …
The Antonine Plague and the Spread of Christianity
Jan 13, 2024 · Marcus Aurelius and his co-emperor Lucius Verrus were both members of the Antonine family. Because of Galen’s surviving case notes that documented the symptoms of …
