Christianity in the Roman Empire
by Robert E. Winn | Book Summary
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Author: Robert E. Winn
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In the face of these myriad trials, early Christians "sometimes…demonstrated inspiring unity and courage, sometimes they took the easy path of compliance…and sometimes they fought bitterly against themselves" (p. x). In other words, they were much like God's chosen people today. This introductory text provides rich descriptions of the beliefs and practices of the early church and highlights some of the most well known early church leaders' thoughts on key doctrinal issues of their time. The inspiring stories and valuable lessons learned through the trials and disputes of the early church serve as an encouragement to believers today. |
Robert E. Winn is professor of history at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa and was previously a visiting professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Cedarville University and a master's degree from Miami University (Ohio). He then earned his Ph.D. in early Christian studies at the Catholic University of America. His Ph.D. focused on late antiquity history and Greek and Latin patristics. Dr. Winn also is the author of Eusebius of Emesa: Church and Theology in the Mid-Fourth Century and has published articles in the Journal of Early Christian Studies and Vigiliae Christianae.
Christianity in the Roman Empire
by Robert E. Winn
[ Book Summary ]
| Author | Robert Winn |
| Publisher | Hendrickson |
| Date | 2018 |
| Pages | 150 |
Overview:
The backdrop behind which the early church grew was riddled with cultural and societal pressures. In the pre-Constantinian Roman Empire (approximately 100-300 AD), Christians faced numerous challenges, from disinterest and mockery to vicious persecution. In addition to the pressures from outside the church, there were serious doctrinal disputes within the body of Christ in those early days. Yet, the gospel flourished and the early church was born — a movement that is still carrying on to this day.
In the face of these myriad trials, early Christians "sometimes…demonstrated inspiring unity and courage, sometimes they took the easy path of compliance…and sometimes they fought bitterly against themselves" (p. x). In other words, they were much like God's chosen people today.
This introductory text provides rich descriptions of the beliefs and practices of the early church and highlights some of the most well known early church leaders' thoughts on key doctrinal issues of their time. The inspiring stories and valuable lessons learned through the trials and disputes of the early church serve as an encouragement to believers today.
Robert E. Winn is professor of history at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa and was previously a visiting professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Cedarville University and a master's degree from Miami University (Ohio). He then earned his Ph.D. in early Christian studies at the Catholic University of America. His Ph.D. focused on late antiquity history and Greek and Latin patristics. Dr. Winn also is the author of Eusebius of Emesa: Church and Theology in the Mid-Fourth Century and has published articles in the Journal of Early Christian Studies and Vigiliae Christianae.