An overview of the argument for an early development of dormition traditions, its strengths, and its weaknesses.
A look at the patristic and manuscript evidence for the development of Marian dormition traditions, specifically those relaying the doctrine of the Virgin Mary's bodily assumption.
Since as early as the second century, many have likened Mary, the mother of Jesus, to the "New Eve." In this article, we consider whether this is a proper comparison since many of the traditions and dogmas arising around the Virgin Mary owe their existence to this teaching.
Does Irenaeus in "Against Heresies" demonstrate he believed apostolic tradition was necessary to properly understand and teach the Scriptures?
The Complexities of Ancient Egyptian concepts "Neheh" and "Djet," contrasted with the Hebrew understanding of God's eternality.
An overview of the Infancy Gospels: what they are, why they were written, and why they are significant.
Tracing the history of Arabic language Apocrypha from the second century to the seventh, addressing Quranic parallels in three apocryphal infancy gospels - the Protevangelium of James, the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, and Pseudo-Matthew.
This article contains an overview of what is known about Clement of Rome, "The First Apostolic Father." The epistle ascribed to his hand is known as Clement's First Epistle to the Corinthians.
An overview of the origins and evolution of Christian art from its onset to the end of the 9th century.
The significance and origin of the Christian Ichthys symbol, a simple fish commonly depicted with "Ixθús" written inside it.
The Definition and early history of Subordinationism with a critique.
A discussion on the proposed "re-translation" the "Our Father" recommended by Pope Francis and adopted by the Italian Roman Catholic Church
What makes a story exciting? Wisdom from C. S. Lewis' essay, "On Stories"
An overview of five different interpretations of Matthew 16:18-19 from the early Church writers: Origen, Tertullian, Cyprian, Augustine, and Chrysostom.
This article contains a discussion of the writings of Jerome (Eusebius Hieronymus), which touch upon the authority of the Bishop of Rome at the end of the 5th century.
This is an overview of the primary and secondary historical sources for the events that took place during the First Council of Nicaea, 325 A.D. A list of sources is included with book and chapter references.
This article compares Quranic and New Testament textual development and transmission in their first few decades.
Read on for an explanation of the structure of church leadership in the first-century church with an explanation of the roles and titles of leadership during this period.
An overview of the First Council of Nicaea with a discussion of two major developments which resulted from it.
This article contains a discussion of the development of the Papacy, the first Pope, and the origin of Papal supremacy over the Western Church and civil leaders.
This article discusses "single" and "double" predestination from a reformed perspective.
An overview of the Logos in Greek and Jewish thought as it pertains to the prologue of the Gospel of John.
An overview of the manuscripts of the New Testament, their history, and the state of the text in modern research.
This article is about the life and death of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, with a discussion of special problems in establishing the dates of his birth and martyrdom.
What do the sources and manuscript data tell us about how the early church viewed the famous "fifth gospel?"
A thorough study of the manuscripts, texts, and early Christian citations of the most famous “Gnostic Gospel,” the Gospel of Thomas.
These are the reasons for the Jewish persecution of the early church, significant events in the evolution of persecution, and a comparison of the treatment of James the Righteous (the just) and Paul of Tarsus.
This is a summary of the Arian controversy prior to the First Council of Nicaea, the doctrines espoused by the Arians, and the origins of their teaching.
A brief but thorough study of the Nomina Sacra: their characteristics, origins, the words they denote, and their implications.
A description (with transcripts) of two important hymns from the early church period: the Carmen Christi and P.Oxy.1786 also called the Oxyrhynchus Hymn or Hymn to the Trinity.
An overview of Roman policies toward the early Christian church from the first century to the reign of Constantine.
The life of the early church cannot be understood without understanding its persecution, most notably at the hands of the Romans. But why did the Romans so desire to rid the world of Christianity?
An overview of the Greek New Testament manuscripts from the first three centuries of the church, their history, quality, and distribution with a description of several important manuscripts.
This is an overview of the political and social landscape that shaped and determined the events of Jesus Christ's life and death.
A philosophy of "ideal" and "practical" history. A practical history presents a substantial, conservative framework which is carefully distinguished from faith and hypothesis.
This article covers the state of the "New Testament Canon" in the first centuries of the church, providing some examples of relevant manuscripts and documents from this period. The history of the New Testament is complicated, but you should know it!
Here is a concise history of the role of philosophy in the spread of Christianity in the first centuries, also contrasting Christianity with 1st century religious perspectives
A brief explanation of the Herodian rulers, their roles in the Gospels and Acts, and a helpful chart appended to the end for clarity of understanding
This article presents a concise history of the intertestamental period between the last prophets and chroniclers of Israel (5th cent B.C.) and the days of Jesus’ ministry (1st cent A.D.)