History of Early Christianity

[ChavaK]

I have taken an interest in the history of religions, and thought I would start with Christianity. Can anyone recommend a relatively short, concise book that covers the early foundation of the Christian faith?

 

[Lukaris]

I think after the New Testament, of course, a good read into the early mindset of the faith & to observe the developing church can be found in Early Christian Writings translated by Maxwell Staniforth & ed. by Andrew LOuth published by Penguin isbn # 0-14-044475-0. It is only about 200 pp & has letters (ca. 100 AD) from late 1st c. bishop St. Ignatius, St. Clement of Rome (ca. 98 AD), an obscure & basic little catechism called: The Didache (ca. 95 AD) etc. I think such writings alongside say the book of Acts can speak volumes more than an actual history book. There are brief historical introductory pages to each writing within the book also.

 

[drich0150]

the book of Acts

 

[ChavaK]

I think after the New Testament, of course, a good read into the early mindset of the faith & to observe the developing church can be found in Early Christian Writings translated by Maxwell Staniforth & ed. by Andrew LOuth published by Penguin isbn # 0-14-044475-0. It is only about 200 pp & has letters (ca. 100 AD) from late 1st c. bishop St. Ignatius, St. Clement of Rome (ca. 98 AD), an obscure & basic little catechism called: The Didache (ca. 95 AD) etc. I think such writings alongside say the book of Acts can speak volumes more than an actual history book. There are brief historical introductory pages to each writing within the book also.

Thanks- that sounds exactly like what I am looking for.

 

[razeontherock]

May the Lord cause His face to shine upon Chava in her search ...

 

[St_Worm2]

I have taken an interest in the history of religions, and thought I would start with Christianity. Can anyone recommend a relatively short, concise book that covers the early foundation of the Christian faith?

Hi Chava, as a collection, it's not short (or inexpensive to buy), but you'd probably only be looking into volumes one and two. The two great things about Philip Schaff's "History of the Christian Church" is 1) It is a GREAT read. You will find it hard to put down 2) It's available online for FREE. Just click on: HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Yours and His,
David

 

[ChavaK]

Hi Chava, as a collection, it's not short (or inexpensive to buy), but you'd probably only be looking into volumes one and two. The two great things about Philip Schaff's "History of the Christian Church" is 1) It is a GREAT read. You will find it hard to put down 2) It's available online for FREE. Just click on: HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Yours and His,
David

How can I pass up free?
Thanks!

 

[E.C.]

"The Orthodox Church" by Metropolitan Kallistos (Timothy) Ware.

 

[ebia]

"The Orthodox Church" by Metropolitan Kallistos (Timothy) Ware.

That's an excellent book, but I don't think it's what most people would be looking for in a history of esrly Christianity.

 

[Lukaris]

I would also like to add The Early Church by Henry Chadwick which is a regular history book covering about the first 4 centuries of the church. This is published by Penguin with isbn # 0-14-023199-4. Its about 325 pp & can be easily found on Amazon as Early Christian Writings too.

 

[ChavaK]

I would also like to add The Early Church by Henry Chadwick which is a regular history book covering about the first 4 centuries of the church. This is published by Penguin with isbn # 0-14-023199-4. Its about 325 pp & can be easily found on Amazon as Early Christian Writings too.

Thank you!

 

[razeontherock]

Chava, as you read I would be most interested to see anything you come across along the lines of how the Church may have changed it's teaching to help separate itself from Judaism. It also seems to me that James (as in the author of the NT book James) may have had a pivotal role in this ...