This volume in the Cambridge History of Christianity presents the 'Golden Age' of patristic Christianity. After episodes of persecution by the Roman government, Christianity emerged as a licit religion enjoying imperial patronage and eventually became the favoured religion of the empire. The articles in this volume discuss the rapid transformation of Christianity during late antiquity, giving specific consideration to artistic, social, literary, philosophical, political, inter-religious and cultural aspects. The volume moves away from simple dichotomies and reductive schematizations (e.g., 'heresy v. orthodoxy') toward an inclusive description of the diverse practices and theories that made up Christianity at this time. Whilst proportional attention is given to the emergence of the Great Church within the Roman Empire, other topics are treated as well - such as the development of Christian communities outside the empire.
Contents
Introduction; 1. Western Christianities Winrich Löhr; 2. Germanic and Celtic Christianities Knut Schäferdiek; 3. Greek Christianities Frederick W. Norris; 4. Early Asian and East African Christianities David Bundy; 5. Religious dynamics between Christians and Jews in late antiquity Gedaliahu Stroumsa; 6. Christianity and paganism, I: Egypt David Frankfurter; 7. Christianity and paganism, II: Asia Minor Frank Trombley; 8. Christianity and paganism, III: Italy Michele R. Salzman; 9. Christianity and paganism, IV: North Africa Anne Leone; 10. The intellectual debate between Christians and Pagans Alan Brown; 11. Christianity and Manichaeism Samuel Lieu; 12. Heresiology: the invention of 'heresy' and 'schism' Rebecca Lyman; 13. Towards defining a Christian culture: the Christian transformation of classical literature Bronwen Neil; 14. Bishops and society Raymond Van Dam; 15. Synods and councils Mark Edwards; 16. The growth of church law Kenneth Pennington; 17. The church, society, and political power H. A. Drake; 18. Discourse on the Trinity Khaled Anatolios; 19. History of Christology to the seventh century Karl-Heinz Uthemann; 20. Sin and salvation: experience and reflections Augustine Casiday; 21. From Antioch to Arles: lay devotion in context Georgia Frank; 22. Saints and holy men Claudia Rapp; 23. Pastoral care and discipline Rowan Greer; 24. Gender, marriage and family David G. Hunter; 25. The growth of liturgy and the church year Brian Spinks; 26. Interpreting scripture Paul Blowers; 27. Asceticism and monasticism, I: Eastern Samuel Rubenson; 28. Asceticism and monasticism, II: Western Marilynn Dunn; 29. Art and Propaganda fide: Christian art and architecture Beat Brenk.
Review
"...inspires awe....enormous diversity of of excellent scholars....stands out from rivals by its sheer scale....provide an effective structure....identification and development of themes is thoroughly successful....deeply impressive..."
--Philip Jenkins
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