Normal view MARC view ISBD view

MacMullen, Ramsay, 1928-

Christianizing the Roman Empire : (A.D. 100-400) / Ramsay MacMullen - viii, 183 pages ; 25 cm

Includes bibliographical references (pages 167-179) and index

Problems of approach -- What pagans believed -- Christianity as presented -- Points of contact, modes of persuasion, before 312 -- Constantine as friend of the church -- Nonreligious factors in conversion -- Evangelical campaigns and publicity, after 312 -- Conversion of intellectuals -- How complete was conversion? -- Conversion by coercion -- Summary

How did the early Christian church manage to win its dominant place in the Roman world? In his newest book, an eminent historian of ancient Rome examines this question from a secular rather than an ecclesiastical viewpoint. MacMullen's provocative conclusion is that mass conversions to Christianity were based more on the appeal of miracle or the opportunity for worldly advantages than simply on a "rising tide of Christian piety." - Back cover

ISBN: 0300032161 9780300032161 0300036426 9780300036428

LCCN: 84003694

Nat. Bib. No.: GB84-33400

Subjects--Topical Terms:
Evangelistic work--History--Early church, ca. 30-600

Subjects--Index Terms: Ancient Rome Christianity Conversion of non-Christians, 100-400

Index Terms--Genre/Form:
History.

LC Class. No.: BR195.E9 / M33 1984

Dewey Class. No.: 270.1 / M478C