Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Ante-Nicene Christianity Vol 2; This volume is Philip Schaff’s original English translation revised and updated to modern English. This volume includes Justin’s First and Second Apologies. Justin’s works are an excellent representative sample of early church writings to capture The Spirit of Early Christianity
Apostolic Christianity Vol 1 of of eight-volume work, which covers Christian history from the apostles to the Swiss Reformation, incorporates discussion of ideas and ideals throughout the history of the church with the requisite facts and figures for each period of history. Each volume contains maps, charts, notes, bibliographies, and an index
This volume closes the series of essays which I have dedicated to the History of the Origins of Christianity. It contains the exhibition of the development of the Church during the reign of Marcus-Aurelius, and the parallel picture of the efforts of philosophy to improve civil society.
Sixth Book would finish the series of volumes which I have devoted to the history of the origins of Christianity. It is certain that at the death of Antoninus, circa A.D. 160, the Christian religion had become a complete religion, having all its sacred books, all its grand legends, the germ of all its dogmas, the essential parts of its liturgies; and in the eyes of most of its adherents, it was a religion standing by itself, separated from and even opposed to Judaism.
The historian argues that Marcus Aurelius, famous for his evenhanded rule and contributions to Stoic philosophy, influenced early Christianity greatly. During the emperor’s reign, Christianity adopted Stoic systems and standards of morality that have since survived into the present. Renan’s account reflects his background in 19th century German higher criticism of the Bible.
Joseph Ernest Renan was a French expert of the Middle East ancient languages and civilizations, philosopher and writer, devoted to his native province of Brittany. He is best known for his influential historical works on early Christianity and his political theories, especially concerning nationalism and national identity.
This volume closes the series of essays which I have dedicated to the History of the Origins of Christianity. It contains the exhibition of the development of the Church during the reign of Marcus-Aurelius and the parallel picture of the efforts of philosophy to improve civil society.
In the second century Papias and St. Justin never mention his name. It was later, when oral tradition came to be regarded as nothing, and when the Scriptures took the place of everything, that Paul assumed a leading part in Christian theology. Paul, it was true, had a theology. Peter and Mary Magdalene had none. Paul left behind him considerable works: none Of the writings of the other apostles are to be compared with his, either in regard to their importance or authenticity.
Renan was best known as the author of the enormously popular Life of Jesus (The History of the Origins of Christianity, Volume 1, 1863). Renan attributed the idea of the book to his sister, Henriette, with whom he was traveling in Ottoman Syria and Palestine when struck with a fever, she died suddenly. With only a New Testament and copy of Josephus as references, he began writing. The book was first translated into English in the year of its publication by Charles E. Wilbour and has remained in print for the past 145 years.
Church History or Life of Constantine; This book outlines the thrilling story of the onward march of the Church of Christ from the earliest times to the end of the nineteenth century. It is not a dry-as-dust account of long-forgotten events and controversies, but rather a moving record of those who undertook the adventure of faith before us and, through their courage and steadfastness, left an example for the church in every age.
