The Cambridge History of Christianity: Volume 1, Origins to Constantine

A thorough overview of the emergence of Christianity in the first three centuries.

Margaret M. Mitchell (Edited by), Frances M. Young (Edited by)

9780521812399, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 January 2006

776 pages
23.5 x 16.1 x 4.9 cm, 1.417 kg

'The utility of the Cambridge History of Christianity: Origins to Constantine lies primarily in its comprehensive treatment of discrete aspects of the early church, covering a wide range of themes, issues, persons and events. Its insightful chapters are supplemented by useful illustrations, maps, detailed bibliographies and index. Origins to Constantine is a valuable resource for the lay-person and scholar alike. While the cost of the book will be prohibitive for some, libraries and scholars able to invest in this volume and the series will yield intellectual dividends for years to come.' Studies in Religion

The first of the nine volume Cambridge History of Christianity series, Origins to Constantine provides a comprehensive overview of the essential events, persons, places and issues involved in the emergence of the Christian religion in the Mediterranean world in the first three centuries. Over thirty essays written by scholarly experts trace this dynamic history from the time of Jesus through to the rise of Imperial Christianity in the fourth century. It provides thoughtful and well-documented analyses of the diverse forms of Christian community, identity and practice that arose within decades of Jesus's death, and which through missionary efforts were soon implanted throughout the Roman Empire. Origins to Constantine examines the distinctive characteristics of Christian groups in each geographical region up to the end of the third century, while also exploring the development of the institutional forms, intellectual practices and theological formulations that would mark Christian history in subsequent centuries.

Prelude Frances M. Young
Part I. The Political, Social and Religious Setting: 1. Galilee and Judea in the first century Sean Freyne
2. The Jewish Diaspora Tessa Rajak
3. The Roman Empire Hans-Josef Klauck
Part II. The Jesus Movements: 4. Jewish Christianity Joel Marcus
5. Gentile Christianity Margaret M. Mitchell
6. Johannine Christianity Harold W. Attridge
7. Social and ecclesial life of the earliest Christians Wayne A. Meeks
Part III. Community Traditions and Self-definition: 8. The emergence of the written record Margaret M. Mitchell
9. Marcion and the 'Canon' Harry Y. Gamble
10. Self-definition vis à vis the Jewish matrix Judith Lieu
11. Self-definition vis à vis the Graeco-Roman world Arthur J. Droge
12. Self-differentiation among Christian groups: the Gnostics and their opponents David Brakke
13. Truth and tradition: Irenaeus Denis Minns
14. The self-defining praxis of the developing ecclesia Carolyn Osiek
Part IV. Regional Varieties of Christianity in the First Three Centuries: 15. From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth Margaret M. Mitchell
16. Overview: the geographical spread of Christianity Frank Trombley
17. Asia Minor and Achaea pre 325 CE Christine Trevett
18. Egypt Birger A. Pearson
19. Syria and Mesopotamia Susan Ashbrook Harvey
20. Gaul John Behr
21. North Africa Maureen A. Tilley
22. Rome Markus Vinzent
Part V. The Shaping of Christian Theology: 23. Institutions in pre-Constantinian ecclesia Stuart George Hall
24. Monotheism and creation Gerhard May
25. Monotheism and Christology Frances M. Young
26. Ecclesiology forged in the wake of persecution Stuart George Hall
27. Towards a Christian paideia Frances M. Young
Part VI. 'Aliens' Become Citizens: Towards Imperial Patronage: 28. Persecutions: genesis and legacy W. H. C. Frend
29. Church and state up to c.300 CE Adolf Martin Ritter
30. Constantine and the 'Peace of the Church' Averil M. Cameron
31. The first council of Nicaea Mark Edwards
32. Towards a Christian material culture Robin M. Jensen
Conclusion: retrospect and prospect Margaret M. Mitchell.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM], History of religion [HRAX], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], General & world history [HBG]