A history of the formative period of the Church, this text includes an account of Rome and first-century Judaism, the gnostics and the conflicts of Eastern Christendom. It examines such figures as Origen, Arian and St Augustine of Hippo.
This classic work has been widely regarded as an invaluable introduction to the early Church since it was first published in 1965. Professor Frend has written extensively in this area over the last fifty years, and is one of the foremost Church historians in the English-speaking world. Frend outlines fully the social, geographical, historical and cultural contexts in which the Christian faith emerged and traces the ways in which it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. He then goes on to chart how the Church emerged from Judaism as a distinct sect; its experience of persecution and conflict; and the dogmatic formulation of its beliefs in creeds and councils.
This book is an essential resource for all students of Church history.
This classic work has been widely regarded as an invaluable introduction to the early Church since it was first published in 1965. Professor Frend has written extensively in this area over the last fifty years, and is one of the foremost Church historians in the English-speaking world. Frend outlines fully the social, geographical, historical and cultural contexts in which the Christian faith emerged and traces the ways in which it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. He then goes on to chart how the Church emerged from Judaism as a distinct sect; its experience of persecution and conflict; and the dogmatic formulation of its beliefs in creeds and councils.
This book is an essential resource for all students of Church history.
