Early Christianity

early Christian theology and classical philosophy, early Christian

attitudes to gender, or questions of early Christian doctrine (more

broadly than it is discussed in chapter 5). For the purposes of

this book, however, I have chosen to limit my analysis of aspects

Constantine Discovering early Christianity in the age of

topics: how the origins of Christianity were influenced by the

social and cultural world of the early Roman empire (chapter 4);

the problems of maintaining orthodoxy and unity as Christianity

spread throughout the Mediterranean world (chapter 5); and the

nature of the early Christians’ dealings with the Roman authori-

ties (chapter 6). The purpose of these chapters, however, is not to

give a narrative of these particular aspects of early Christianity,

but, by means of case studies and discussions of the sources,

to suggest ways in which these topics might be approached.

For that reason I have sometimes left discussions open-ended,

rather than seek to reach definite conclusions. Indeed, it is my

hope that those topics could form the basis of student discussions

in a tutorial or seminar. It is hoped that readers interested in other

topics may satisfy their curiosity by following up the leads

provided in chapter 7’s guide to study aids and in the bibliography.

By way of establishing a context for the modern study of early

Christianity, the first three chapters will deal with questions of

how we approach the topic. The first chapter introduces the basic

contours of the subject and discusses reasons why we might

want to study it. Many generations of scholars have done so, of

course, and my second chapter examines the ways in which early

Christianity has been examined in the past. In this discussion I

have sought to emphasize how the researches of earlier scholars

were often driven by agendas particular to their own time, place,

and religious beliefs (or lack of them). This is a useful reminder

to readers of this book that they might want to ponder how their

own approach is shaped by similar concerns. Next, chapter 3

outlines what source materials are at the disposal of anyone

seeking to delve into the world of the early Christians, and what

problems of interpretation those sources present.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

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