The shape and course which Christian thought has taken over its history is largely due to the contributions of individuals and communities in the second and third centuries. Bringing together a remarkable team of distinguished scholars, The Routledge Companion to Early Christian Thought is the ideal companion for those seeking to understand the way in which Early Christian thought developed within its broader cultural milieu and was communicated through its literature, especially as it was directed toward theological concerns.

Divided into three parts, the Companion:
asks how Christianity's development was impacted by its interaction with cultural, philosophical, and religious elements within the broader context of the second and third centuries. examines the way in which Early Christian thought was manifest in key individuals and literature in these centuries. analyses Early Christian thought as it was directed toward theological concerns such as God, Christ, Redemption, Scripture, and the community and its worship.

Reviews

'A wonderful compendium written by leading scholars with a clear-cut introduction into the main topics, authors, and themes, and at the same time an authoritative guide to primary sources and secondary literature.' - Christoph Markschies, Humboldt-University, Germany

'This collection combines an admirably broad scope with the depth that comes from fine scholarship. In considering great thinkers and key issues in relation to rapid growth and change of the early Christian movement, it contextualizes early Christian theology without reductionism. It should become a standard reference for teachers, students and scholars.- Andrew McGowan, University of Melbourne, Australia

Contents

Part One 1. Christianity in the Greco-Roman World: Socio-Political, Philosophical, and Religious Interactions up to the Edict of Milan (313 AD) George H. Van Kooten 2. Early Christianity and Philosophy Mark J. Edwards 3. Greco-Roman Understa Christianity Paul Hartog 4. Jews and Christians Lynn H. Cohick Part Two 5. Imitations in Literature and Life: Apocrypha and Martyrdom J. K. Elliott 6. Ignatius and the Apostolic Fathers Clayton N. Jefford 7. Justin and the Apologists Oskar Skarsaune 8. Irenaeus of Lyons D. Jeffrey Bingham 9. Roman and North African Christianity Geoffrey Dunn 10. Clement and Alexandrian Christianity Henny Fiskå Hägg 11. Origen Ronald E. Heine 12. Gnosis and Nag Hammadi Anne McGuire 13. Schism and Heresy: Identity, Cracks, and Canyons in Early Christianity Pheme Perkins Part Three 14. God M. C. Steenberg 15. Christ: The Apostolic Fathers to the Third Century J. A. McGuckin 16. Redemption James Ernest 17. Scripture Peter Martens 18. Community and Worship Everett Ferguson

Author Bio

D. Jeffrey Bingham is Department Chair and Professor of Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, USA. He is editor of the Brill monograph series, The Bible in Ancient Christianity, as...