Geschichte des frühen Christentums heute

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In the early Christian era, from Jesus' announcement to the closure of the Platonic Academy in 529, significant decisions were made regarding dogmatics, canon law, and the history of devotion. Understanding this church-historical period is crucial for grasping the future trajectory of Christianity. It requires examining connections with ancient philosophy, influences from mystery cults, Jewish opposition, and the development of the Roman state. The diverse world of Hellenism and early Byzantine culture profoundly impacted the Christian church, leading to concepts like "the Hellenisation of Christianity" and "Caesaropapism." This complexity makes the study both fascinating and challenging, with numerous interconnections and specialized terminology complicating the exploration of this essential epoch. Insights into the future of Christian churches in the 21st century necessitate a background in Christian tradition and an understanding of historical development processes. This book aims to present early Christianity's history in a coherent narrative, clarifying historical connections and introducing key figures in their life contexts. It explains professional terminology, provides a bibliography for further reading, and includes a glossary for commonly used terms. This approach enables readers—students, teachers, and church members—to gain a comprehensive view of early Christianity's history and deepen their knowledge of key topi