Primitive Christianity in Its Contemporary Setting"Christianity arose out of a high complex and rich environment. Its primitive character--that is to say, its character during the first two centuries after the Crucifixion--were shaped by many forces. Late Judaism is, of course, the primary influence: however, Professor Bultmann does not hold that Judaism is alone in its impact upon the formation of Christian beliefs and practices. In the course of PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY he examines the structure and import of Greek paganism, the role of the mystery religions, the ideas of Stoicism and Gnosticism. All contributed to shaping and moulding the fundamental doctrines of Christian life. It is Professor Bultmann's conviction that great movements such as Christianity, though not resulting from historical inevitability, can be better assed and estimated if set against the background of their environments. In PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY he presents a challenging interpretation of the environment in which Christianity was founded and developed." - Publisher |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
apocalyptic Baudissin become body Bousset Christ Church conception cosmic course covenant cults cultus death deity demonic divine doctrine dualism earth Epict Epictetus eschatological ethical evil existence faith fate father fear flesh freedom future Gilbert Murray glory Gnostic God's gods Gospel grace Greek hand harmony hath heart heaven Hellenistic Hellenistic Judaism Hence holy human idea ideal individual Israel Jahweh Jesus Jewish Judaism judgement justice live Logos Lord Luke man's Matt means Mishna Mithraism Moore moral mystery religions myth nation nature never Old Testament original Paul Philo philosophy Plato political preaching prophets Psalms of Solomon R. H. Charles reality realized redemption regarded resurrection righteousness Rudolf Bultmann salvation Schürer sense soul spark of light spirit stars Stoic Stoicism thee things thou tion tradition Trans transcendence true unity universe unto Vettius Valens wisdom word worship Zeus καὶ