Christianity: A History

Some 2,000 years ago, a man walked the earth who had a greater impact than any other person in history. Lowly born, he rose to prominence as he spread his vision of life. He attracted the attention of faithful disciples and suspicious local authorities. Eventually, he was tried, convicted, and executed.Who was he?Since the earliest days of the faith, questions like this have been at the heart of Christianity. Over the centuries, they have led to fierce debate and produced deep divisions among the faithful. These questions have driven profound acts of faith and worship and incited war and persecution. Now, you have an opportunity to explore the reactions to these profound questions and the many responses believers, scholars, and theologians have developed over more than 2,000 years. You trace this epic story as it unfolds through the various teachings and divisions in the Christian faith. The History of Christianity begins at the very dawn of Christianity. You will see how, over the centuries, Jesus' teachings developed into the orthodox teachings of the mainstream church as well as the divergent doctrines taught by splinter groups branded as "heretics." However, orthodox teachings were really not orthodox, but varieties of belief that developed in the ancient church: Jewish Christianity, Gnostic Christianity and Pauline Christianity.