Voices of Early Christianity

This fascinating resource examines the day-to-day lives of early Christians—as depicted through documented accounts of the period—from the beginning of Christianity through 325 CE.Early Christianity drew its doctrine from a variety of sources—personal interpretation, Hebrew scriptures, and church council—yet the core ideology endured, even as the religion transitioned from being the object of persecution to becoming a legal institution in the Roman Empire. This book celebrates the voices that helped create and develop Christianity during that period.Voices of Early Christianity: Documents from the Origins of Christianity is a collection of excerpts from significant documents from early Christian history, organized topically, then listed chronologically within each section. The author compares textual variations among the works of the apostles, as well as key themes over time, and frames the discussion for further critical thinking. Topics include sexuality, marriage, and divorce; food issues; women in early Christianity; and politics and Christianity.Visual aids, including wall paintings from the Christian catacombs and pictures of Roman architectureA detailed chronology of early Christianity from the faith's beginning through 325 CE

"A thoughtful guide to the beginnings of a complex religion, this volume is recommended for high school and academic libraries with an interest in Christian history. Appropriate for circulating collections." - Booklist, "The issues that Kaatz discusses resonate strongly today just as they did when they were first created. Kaatz cuts to the heart of what could be an unwieldy subject and provides excellent context and explanations on all the issues he discusses. Readers interested in bettering their understanding of the functions of the Christian religion and the Catholic Church will learn much from the questions and discussions within this volume." - Library Journal, "This is a wonderful introduction into the writings of early Christianity edited by Kevin W. Katz. . . . This book is highly recommended to those studying the writings of early Christianity and is recommended to public, academic, and theological libraries." - ARBA

Kevin W. Kaatz, PhD, is lecturer at California State University, East Bay Campus, Hayward, CA.