Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

If Paul could see us now : four centuries of dramatic change -- Second-generation Christianity : the churches of the Apostolic Fathers -- Suffering and dying for God : persecution and martyrdom -- Getting organized : ministry and structure -- Getting recognized : Emperor Constantine's revolution -- Radical discipleship : asceticism and monasticism -- Women in the early church : liberated or confined? -- The emerging shape of worship : Eucharist and liturgy -- Getting in and staying in : baptism and penance -- Exploring the paths : the development of early Christian doctrine -- Mapping the mind of the church : orthodoxy defined.

"Introducing Early Christianity offers a fascinating survey of the most important aspects of the life, beliefs and practices of the early church from the first to the mid-fifth century." "The thematic approach of this book seeks to overcome the limitations of viewing one event after another, though it can be effectively used alongside a chronological history. Numerous sidebars assemble pertinent facts or offer close-up glimpses of particular aspects of the life and thought of the early church. In addition, photographs and other images root early Christians, their ideas and events in the concrete artifacts of history and the visual memory of the church."--Jacket.

Description based on print version record.