The Early Church (Paperback)

~ William, H.C. Frend (Author)
Key Phrases: Asia Minor, Holy Spirit, Oxford University Press (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Aimed at the undergraduate academic and interested lay person, this is a classic history of the formative period of the Church. It includes an account of Rome and 1st-century Judaism, the Gnostics and the conflicts of Eastern Christendom and examines such figures as Origen, Arian and St Augustine of Hippo. A bibliography of general works on Church history is also included. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

W H C Frend was formerly Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the University of Glasgow. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers; 1st Fortress Press ed edition (January 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800616154
• ISBN-13: 978-0800616151
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #951,450 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Scholorship, April 7, 2006

By	Jennifer Tipton "transy scholar" (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Early Church: From the Beginnings to 461 (SCM Classics) (Paperback)

I find it hilarious when people critique serious works of scholarship for lacking the qualities of mass produced surveys. Frend work is not intended for the casual reader, but instead is meant to be a contribution to scholarship within the field of early christian studies. His voice is aimed towards the audience of his peers and as such prior study in the field is expected and makes the work a difficult read. However this book is a valuable resource for anyone studying the field of early christianity as Frend is one of the most notable Historians within the field. Failing to footnote his work in any study, whether in agreement or disagreement, of early christianity as such is a major fault.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, well written and informative, July 4, 2002

By	Mark P. Simmons (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Frend begins with an adept interpretation of the Cult of the Emperor, the division in early Christianity, the impact of the various pagan religions, and how these all contributed to the formation of Modern Christianity. Frend uses a wealth of primary texts and gives unique insight into their contemporary useage and probable meanings. I enjoyed this book. I felt compelled, however, to simply give it five stars out of sympathy. But unpon reflection, it is well deserved.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars There are much better church history books, May 8, 2004

By	B. R. Campbell "preacherwoman" (Montesano, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found it annoying that Frend mentions the new manuscripts found since his first edition yet he chose not to include them in this revised edition. One of my classmates noted it seemed a "rough draft". A history book is hard to follow when the author continues to move back and forth through time without any warning. Many passages have to be re-read in frustration to determine the decade or century Frend is discussing. The later chapters were more comprehensible than the first 15. Frend could have explained the developing theologies better.