The Penguin History of the Church, vol.1: The Early Church - Softcover

Chadwick, Henry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140231994 ISBN 13: 9780140231991

Publisher: Penguin, 1993

Synopsis

Examines the beginning of the Christian movement during the first centuries AD, and the explosive force of its expansion throughout the Roman world

About this title

Synopsis:

This first volume of the penguin history of the church looks at the beginning of the Christian movement during the first centuries AD and at the explosive force of its expansion throughout the Roman world. Drawing on recent historical research, Professor Henry Chadwock shows how Christianity had its roots in a synthesis of contemporary ideas and beliefs, and analyses the causes of its persecution under Diocletian, the fanaticism of its martyrs and its bitter internal controversies. The conversion of Constantine and the edict of Theodosius meant that the church had to reconcile its spiritual duties with a new, worldly role as an "established church" for good government throughout the empire, and Professor Chadwick completes his history by demonstrating how this conflict of responsiblilties led to the emergence of the papacy and the monastic movement, the twin pillars of Christianity in the Middle Ages.

About the Author:

Reverend Henry Chadwick is a former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, and has been a Regius Professor at both Oxford and Cambridge. He is also an ordained Anglican priest.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0140231994
• ISBN 13: 9780140231991
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 314