dawn of Christianity, The
Book Description
In an era when the divine permeated daily existence, ordinary people navigated their spiritual lives through intricate webs of belief and ritual practice. Robert C. Knapp takes readers into the fascinating world of antiquity, from 200 BCE through the first century CE, revealing how Jews and polytheists maintained remarkably similar relationships with supernatural forces.
This exploration uncovers why some individuals chose to abandon their ancestral traditions for an emerging spiritual movement that would reshape history. In the eastern Mediterranean, where Jewish monotheism existed alongside diverse polytheistic practices, people sought meaning through prayer, magic, and direct encounters with divine power.
Against this backdrop, Jesus of Nazareth emerged as a figure who demonstrated unprecedented connection to supernatural authority through miraculous acts. His message promised both earthly rewards for righteous living and eternal life beyond death. The transformative event of the Resurrection established his divine credentials, inspiring followers to continue spreading his teachings through their own miraculous works.
Despite fierce opposition from established religious communities, this new movement displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability. Through periods of persecution and setback, Christianity endured until a pivotal moment arrived with Emperor Constantine's conversion, forever altering the trajectory of both faith and empire.
Knapp illuminates how spiritual transformation occurs within communities, showing how individuals navigate the tension between tradition and revolutionary change in their quest for divine connection.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 303 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Jesus christ, miracles
- ✓ Explore Rome, history
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Miracles of Jesus Christ
- ✓ Explore Supernatural (Theology)
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Judaism
