A New History of Early Christianity

‘This book will help us to new understandings and insights… It makes the events of this early period clear and accessible, and succeeds in showing how the Church developed its character and identity.’- John Binns, Church Times ‘Freeman writes very well and he always takes the trouble to read deeply in the scholarly literature. This book is a rattling good read and you’ll encounter all sorts of fascinating facts and stories.’ - Jonathan Wright, Catholic Herald ‘This book brilliantly evokes the intellectual excitement and spiritual ferment when a sect of enthusiasts was turning itself into a church.’ - Michael Kerrigan, The Scotsman ‘Freeman writes well and his narrative is clear and swift with fine flashes of insight.’-Eric Ormsby, Standpoint ‘[Freeman] has found a fresh approach to the subject, from the birth of Christ to the death of the Roman Empire - Freeman gives one of the best explanations of the Arian controversy - that I have come across. And it is the way Freeman explores such issues that gives this book its modern relevance.’-Nigel Nelson, Tribune “[Freeman] surveys a surprisingly diverse range of early Christian communities, differing from one another in doctrine, devotional observances, and attitudes toward pagan philosophy. But in the narrative that he presses most insistently, Freeman recounts how small and politically marginal bands of Christians-subject to savage persecution-transformed into an imperially powerful church serving Roman emperors (notably, Constantine and Theodosius) and persecuting heretics unwilling to embrace the creeds those emperors helped to hammer out.” -Bryce Christensen, Booklist “A New History of Early Christianity” is a masterful book, and a pleasure to read. Freeman narrates the development, diversity, and spread of Christianity with originality and verve. It is a story that brims over with fascinating accounts, intriguing quotations from figures in the ancient Mediterranean, and illuminating historical analysis. It is also a crucial resource for our understanding of ongoing cultural negotiations of religious and political spheres, all those theologico-political paradoxes that face us now more than ever. I do not think there exists a more engaging and illuminating history of early Christianity than this one.” - Ward Blanton, University of Glasgow “Even those who are adherents to Christianity may be puzzled by the tensions which exist in its primary sources, and this meticulous attempt to probe its origins and development is to be welcomed. Charles Freeman embraces the different kinds of approaches and positions which are found in the ancient texts, Christian and otherwise, painting a vivid picture of the nature of Christianity in all its diversity in the earliest centuries of its existence.” - Christopher Rowland, author of Christian Origins “This is a bold and imaginative historical synthesis which fills an important need. For the first time, Freeman makes the complex story of Christianity’s birth and early development available in concise, lively, eminently readable form. A tragic story in many ways, but a great pleasure to read.” - Richard Rubenstein, author of When Jesus Became God

Charles Freeman is a specialist on the ancient world and its legacy. He has worked on archaeological digs on the continents surrounding the Mediterranean and develops study tour programs in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Freeman is Historical Consultant to the prestigious Blue Guides series and the author of numerous books, including the bestseller The Closing of the Western Mind and, most recently, Holy Bones, Holy Dust. He lives in the UK.