The Early Christians: In Their Own Words [Hardcover]

In these firsthand accountsof the early church, the spirit of Pentecost burns with prophetic force through the fog enveloping the modern church. A clear and vibrant faith lives on in these writings, providing a guide for Christians today. Its stark simplicity and revolutionary fervor will stun those lulled by conventional Christianity.

The Early Christiansis a topically arranged collection of primary sources. It includes extra-biblical sayings of Jesus and excerpts from Origen, Tertullian, Polycarp, Clement of Alexandria, Justin, Irenaeus, Hermas, Ignatius, and others. Equally revealing material from pagan contemporaries  critics, detractors, and persecutors  is included as well.If you hold, like Arnold does,that Christianity is no longer Christianity if it departs too radically from its beginnings, you must read this book.This selection will not only helpreaders understand early Christianity intellectually; it will also challenge them to live more fully, abundantly, and even radically.PrefaceThe Witness of the Early Churchby Eberhard Arnoldii The State, Society and MartyrsPlinyPolycarpJustinLetter from Vienne and LyonsActs of MartyrsEarly ApologiesNotesiii Self-Portraits and PortrayalsJustin, Dialogue with Trypho, First ApologyAristides, ApologyOrigen, Against CelsusHippolytus, The Apostolic TraditionLetter to DiognetusTertullian, ApologyNotesiv Creed, Confession and ScriptureApostolic ConfessionRule of FaithIrenaeus, Against HeresiesAthenagoras, A Plea Regarding ChristiansLate Athenagoras, On the Resurrection of the DeadJustin, First Apology, Dialogue with TryphoMuratorian CanonNotesv Sayings of Jesus and the ApostlesExtra-Biblical Sayings of JesusThe DidacheFirst Letter of Clement to the CorinthiansIgnatius, Letters to the Ephesians, Romans,Smyrnaeans, and PolycarpPolycarp, Letter to the PhilippiansLetter of BarnabasNotesvi Meetings, Worship and Church PracticesBaptismThe Lords Supper or Love MealDistribution of GoodsLeadershló