This is an excellent overview of the times and culture of the Jews before Christianity. Then, it shows how Christianity changed things. Significant political and social factors affected the unfolding of the Christian movement. I enjoyed the clear explanation of the Gospels, including who wrote them and their frame of mind, etc.
Another pivotal chapter explained the removal of Jewish aspects from Christianity. We know there were various versions of Christianity and how they differed. This book describes the most essential versions of Christianity and how they were ejected from the mainstream.
An unusual chapter covered the significant women of Christianity, starting with the women of the Bible and traveling through the generations to discuss other essential females.
The "Persecution" chapter outlined 250 years of uncertainty and persecution. Significant Roman emperors were discussed. One of this story's strengths is the clarification of whether a person mentioned was a historical person or if they even lived (if known).
Many interesting factoids exist, like Constantine initiating Christmas (merging sun and Son worship). Constantine made Christianity a state religion by not the state's religion for another 43 years.
It was interesting to learn that monasticism and asceticism evolved as a reaction to the pomp and privilege of the Christian Church as it grew and organized. However, the monasteries and abbeys grew in wealth and prominence in the West over time.
The bonus chapter on art was well worth my time. However, there is little because Christians were persecuted. Also, the commandment censoring images of God were viewed as "idolatrous depictions." This book is well-written and engaging.
Another pivotal chapter explained the removal of Jewish aspects from Christianity. We know there were various versions of Christianity and how they differed. This book describes the most essential versions of Christianity and how they were ejected from the mainstream.
An unusual chapter covered the significant women of Christianity, starting with the women of the Bible and traveling through the generations to discuss other essential females.
The "Persecution" chapter outlined 250 years of uncertainty and persecution. Significant Roman emperors were discussed. One of this story's strengths is the clarification of whether a person mentioned was a historical person or if they even lived (if known).
Many interesting factoids exist, like Constantine initiating Christmas (merging sun and Son worship). Constantine made Christianity a state religion by not the state's religion for another 43 years.
It was interesting to learn that monasticism and asceticism evolved as a reaction to the pomp and privilege of the Christian Church as it grew and organized. However, the monasteries and abbeys grew in wealth and prominence in the West over time.
The bonus chapter on art was well worth my time. However, there is little because Christians were persecuted. Also, the commandment censoring images of God were viewed as "idolatrous depictions." This book is well-written and engaging.
