Early Christianity: A Brief History

by Joseph H. Lynch

Description

A concise, accessible introduction to the history of early Christianity, this text covers the development of the Christian church from its origin through the year 600. Equally suited to beginning and more advanced students alike, the text opens with a discussion of the historical Jesus-what weknow and how do we know it?-before discussing the Jewish and Roman world in which Christianity arose. The book moves on, mostly chronologically, to chart the progress of Christianity from fringe sect to show more dominant religion, down through the reign of Pope Gregory I. Interspersed are chapters on Romansociety and culture, Christian intellectuals, and Church government, and the book closes with an epilogue on Muhammad and the rise of Islam. Excerpts and quotations from a wide variety of ancient sources-including the New Testament, the Gospel of Thomas, the Didache, and the writing of DioChrysostom, Fronto, and Tactitus, among others-engage students and help to show them how historians learn about the ancient world. Each chapter ends with carefully selected suggestions for further readings, including both ancient and modern texts. Timelines accompany each Part and the book featureseight custom-drawn maps. show less

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Lpeerbolte 35 reviews

Lynch gives a good survey of early Christianity, but at times he is not a natural born narrator. Yet for those who would like to acquaint themselves with the field, this is a very good introduction.

Nov 28, 2025

OberlinSWAP 480 reviews

Aug 1, 2015

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