FROM JESUS TO CONSTANTINE A History of Early Christianity

With fundamentalism gaining popularity, Professor Ehrman, a gifted lecturer, helps listeners put the roots of Christianity into historical perspective. Initially he distinguishes the religion that Jesus practiced from Christianity, the religion established decades after his death. Then he traces its development from its earliest beginnings in the Judeo/Roman world through Paul; the roots of anti-Semitism; persecution; heresies; the development of a scriptural canon, liturgy, and doctrine, concluding finally with its eventual triumph under Constantine. Rooted in textual criticism, Ehrman draws from all the critical sources available and provides an exciting trip, even for the uninitiated. His delivery is energized but not impassioned, so the lectures are easy to follow, with a written outline, biographical notes, and an extensive bibliography accompanying each. P.E.F. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]