The Early Christian Church: A History of Its First Five Centuries

by John Gordon Davies

For both the general reader and church history student, The Early Christian Church is a competent summation of the first five centuries of Christian history. This concise text is acclaimed for its clarity of expression, balance of judgment, and carefulness of arrangement.

Following a brief chapter on the origins of Christianity, including a thumbnail sketch of Jewish history, is a survey of the pagan and New Testament sources of Christianity, and a reconstruction of the message and ministry of Jesus. Each chapter is divided into: a) background, b) sources, c) expansion and development, d) beliefs, e) worship, and f) social life/ethics.

"…the best survey of the period. It combines readability with sound scholarship and can be heartily recommended as an introduction to the first five centuries of the church." - Kenneth Scott Latourette

Genres: Religion, History

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

John Gordon Davies (1919-1990) was Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology in the University of Birmingham, UK. He began teaching at Birmingham in 1948.

Reviews

[Deniz Kabaağaç · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously, this is a difficult book, especially if you are not Christian or if you are not familiar with Christian theological concepts. However, it deserves “deep reading” if you are really interested in late Roman empire and in early Christianity. I think these cannot be separated anyway. I think, like in any book, every reader has his/her own take away from this book and here are mine.
1. Hellenic / Roman pagan civilization was certainly the theological cradle of Christianity. I know this looks obvious, but it is astonishing to see that this old civilization was carried to the future through Christianity.
2. The Church itself, from an institutional point of view, was substantially affected by Roman institutions. This is something which explains the superb bureaucratic / institutional structure especially of Western Christianity.
3. The separation of state and religion was there since the beginning. This I think especially important because what is usually presumed is that this separation is the result of a long struggle starting from 17th century. The struggle, unlike in some other religions, was not about separation but about supremacy.
4. Whether the advance of Christianity caused the fall of Roman Empire ( as suggested by Gibbon for example) or alternatively the fall of Roman empire speeded up the advance of Christianity is a big historical, ideological, and intellectual question which has ramifications even today. I think every intellectual should have a view on this subject. This is a question we cannot escape regardless of our political views, religion, and social class.
5. It is astonishing how a belief system which certainly favor the poor and pariahs became the defendant of oppressive social orders centuries later. Reminded me the concept of “passive revolution” of Gramsci.

And many more. I will certainly recommend this book to those who have an interest to the subjects, areas, I mentioned above.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative.