After the Apostles: Christianity in the Second Century

by Walter H. Wagner

Overview

Perhaps the most enigmatic period of the Christian era, the second century was nonetheless decisive for the survival and posture of the fledgling churches. Their scriptural canon, liturgical practices, church structure, doctrinal norms - all were forged in the tumult of this century.

Through deft use of available data and texts, Wagner brings this period to life. Selecting five fateful challenges - issues of Creation, human nature, Jesus' identities, roles of the church, and Christians in society - he shows what was at stake for emerging Christianity in the social and religious currents of its Jewish and Greco-Roman environs and how five key personalities (Ignatius, Justin, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian and Irenaeus) responded. Wagner's text successfully brings events, ideas, persons and movements into a single framework.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800625672
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	03/01/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	296
Sales rank:	1,150,997
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Walter H. Wagner was Associate Professor of Religion at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he now serves Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church as Senior Pastor.

Table of Contents

Preface

The Church at the End of the Second Century

Rome's Rulers 31 B.C.E.-235 C.E

Part I: Kingdom and Empire

Christian Expectations and Frustrations

Jews and Christians

Imperial Visions and Realities

Greco-Roman Dilemmas

Part II: Challenges for Christians

The First Challenge: Creator and Creation

The Second Challenge: Human Nature and Destiny

The Third Challenge: Indentities for Jesus

The Fourth Challenge: The Church's Place

The Fifth Challenge: Christians and Society

Part III: Five Leaders Respond

Ignatius of Antioch

Justin Martyr

Clement of Alexandria

Tertullian

Irenaeus of Lyons

Assessments

Abbreviations

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index of Persons and Places of Antiquity

Subject Index