The Origins of Christendom in the West
Overview
For well over a millennium the civilization of Western Europe was “Christendom.” Christianity was the dominant religion, buttressed by social and legal structures. This volume studies Christendom at its origins, bringing the insights of leading scholars in the fields of ancient history, theology, patristics, and liturgy to bear on aspects of Europe’s Christianization.
From a missiological perspective, the contributors ask what is Christianity’s impact upon culture, what is culture’s impact upon Christianity? Focusing on the first four centuries, but also looking forward to the future of Christianity in the West, this volume combines scholarly excellence with accessibility. It will be valued by scholars and students alike.
This resource is also available as part of the Church Origins Collection (10 vols.).
Top Highlights
“Christianity, whose message and embodiment can take many forms, Christendom is a civilization in which (a) Christianity is the dominant religion and in which (b) this dominance has been backed up by social or legal compulsions.” (Page viii)
“Constantine may have heard, perhaps from the churchmen themselves, that the Christians required a person who ‘has the power of the sword, or is a magistrate of a city who wears the purple’, to cease or be rejected.57 For reasons of imperial responsibility Constantine may not have wanted to be baptized. Furthermore, Constantine as a catechumen would have to submit his independent theological judgement (so evident in his Oration to the Assembly) to the instruction of others. And he may have been a bit afraid of the mysterious elements of Christian initiation.” (Page 19)
“ chose, nevertheless, to use the New Prophets’ language (‘We” (Pages 181–182)
Praise for the Print Edition
After more than fifteen hundred years, “Christendom” remains a highly charged word. This bold and imagination volume helps explain why. Drawing on the resources of theology, history, sociology and missiology, these students of the history of early Christianity challenge old interpretations and propose new ways of seeing.
—Wilbert R. Shenk, Fuller Theological Seminary
Product Details
- Title: The Origins of Christendom in the West
- Editor: Alan Kreider
- Publication Date: 2001
- Pages: 336
About Alan Kreider
Alan Kreider was Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture, Regent’s Park College, Oxford, and now teaches at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Indiana.