Discover how early Christian doctrine and church life took shape across 100–750 A.D.
in a clear, student-friendly study.
This edition surveys the ideas, sources, and methods historians use to understand the ancient church. It highlights major movements, key themes, and the path from early creed to medieval thought, helping readers see how beliefs and practices were formed and sustained.
- Overview of the history of Christian doctrine and the church’s development in the ancient era
- Explanations of how historians classify sources, arrange material, and draw conclusions
- Focus on significant movements and debates, including early creeds, Ebionism, Gnosticism, and Montanism
- Connections between doctrinal formation and church life across different regions and periods
Ideal for readers seeking a straightforward introduction to how early Christianity grew into a lasting tradition.