Early North African Christianity: Turning Points in the Development of the Church

by David L. Eastman

Overview

An internationally recognized scholar highlights the important role the North African church played in the development of Christian thought. This accessible introduction brings Africa back to the center of the study of Christian history by focusing on key figures and events that influenced the history and trajectory of Christianity as a whole. Written and designed for the classroom, the book zeroes in on five turning points to show how North African believers significantly shaped Christian theology, identity, and practice in ways that directly impact the church today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781540963673
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/17/2021
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

David L. Eastman (PhD, Yale University) is an internationally recognized scholar of the New Testament and early Christianity. He is the Joseph Glenn Sherrill Chair of Bible at the McCallie School, an adjunct fellow at the University of Regensburg (Germany), and a fellow with the Center for Early African Christianity.

Table of Contents

Contents

1. A (Re)Introduction to Africa
Part 1: Perpetua and Felicity
2. The Life and Times of the Early Martyrs
3. Perpetua and Felicity: Models of Christian Devotion
4. Perpetua: Leadership and Controversy
Part 2: Tertullian
5. The Life and Times of Tertullian
6. Tertullian Defending the Faith: Apologetics and Heretics
7. Tertullian Defining the Faith: The Fullness of the Trinity
Part 3: Cyprian of Carthage
8. The Life and Times of Cyprian
9. Cyprian: On Forgiveness and Unity
10. Cyprian: The Rebaptism Controversy
Part 4: The Donatist Controversy
11. The Life and Times of the Later Martyrs
12. Caecilianists versus Donatists: Rival Churches
13. Donatists versus Caecilianists: Rival Martyrs
Part 5: Augustine of Hippo
14. The Life and Times of Augustine
15. Augustine: Theologian of the West
16. Augustine: Debate with Pelagius on Grace and the Will
Conclusion
Select Resources for Further Reading
Index