The Change of Conversion and the Origin of Christendom

by Alan Kreider

Overview

First-class insight into the life and mission of the Christian church in the first four centuries, based on solid scholarship and a clear sense of mission. --Samuel Escobar, Palmer Theological Seminary Written in a lively and clear manner, this small volume makes many connections between different aspects of early Christian history and practice. I have learned from reading it and recommend it to both scholars and beginners. --Paul Bradshaw, University of Notre Dame Kreider traces the changing nature of the process of conversion across some four centuries. I know of no better treatment of religious initiation undergone by the most seriously committed Christians of this period. --Ramsay MacMullen, Yale University I recommend this book highly to anyone interested not only in the history and theology of Christian initiation, but in the relationship of Christianity and culture throughout the ages. - Maxwell E. Johnson, University of Notre Dame, in 'Worship'

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781725219496
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	05/01/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Alan Kreider is Associate Professor of Church History and Mission at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana.
Alan Kreider is Professor of Church History and Mission (retired), Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, IN.

Table of Contents

Introduction     XIII
The Conversions of Justin and Cyprian     1
The Intriguing Attraction of Early Christianity     10
The Journey of Conversion     21
Constantine Broadens the Attraction     33
Catechizing the Masses: Cyril and Chrysostom     43
Attracting the Recalcitrant: Augustine and Volusian     54
Converting the Christians: Caesarius of Arles     71
Christendom-Product of Conversion-and Some Clues About the Future of Christianity     86
Notes     109
References Cited     115

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"First-class insight into the life and mission of the Christian church in the first four centuries, based on solid scholarship and a clear sense of mission."
—Samuel Escobar, Palmer Theological Seminary

"Written in a lively and clear manner, this small volume makes many connections between different aspects of early Christian history and practice. I have learned from reading it and recommend it to both scholars and beginners."
—Paul Bradshaw, University of Notre Dame

"Kreider traces the changing nature of the process of conversion across some four centuries. I know of no better treatment of religious initiation undergone by the most seriously committed Christians of this period."
—Ramsay MacMullen, Yale University


"I recommend this book highly to anyone interested not only in the history and theology of Christian initiation, but in the relationship of Christianity and culture throughout the ages."
- Maxwell E. Johnson, University of Notre Dame, in 'Worship'

Editorial Reviews

First-class insight into the life and mission of the Christian church in the first four centuries, based on solid scholarship and a clear sense of mission.
--Samuel Escobar, Palmer Theological Seminary

Written in a lively and clear manner, this small volume makes many connections between different aspects of early Christian history and practice. I have learned from reading it and recommend it to both scholars and beginners.
--Paul Bradshaw, University of Notre Dame

Kreider traces the changing nature of the process of conversion across some four centuries. I know of no better treatment of religious initiation undergone by the most seriously committed Christians of this period.
--Ramsay MacMullen, Yale University

I recommend this book highly to anyone interested not only in the history and theology of Christian initiation, but in the relationship of Christianity and culture throughout the ages.
- Maxwell E. Johnson, University of Notre Dame, in 'Worship'

From the Publisher