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The Modern Scholar: From Jesus to Christianity: A History of the Early Church

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The Modern Scholar: From Jesus to Christianity: A History of the Early Church

By: Thomas F. Madden
Narrated by: Thomas F. Madden
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About this listen

 Entrusting the apostles to continue the work he had started by instructing them to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit . . .," Jesus kindled the fires of a new religion in a world largely dominated by polytheism, cult leader worship, and mysticism. In the first century of its existence, Christianity was both welcomed and vilified throughout the Roman Empire. Many of Christianity's original adherents were martyred - murdered by those who believed it a danger to their authority or, at the very least, the cause of unrest among an otherwise docile populace.

Christians themselves practiced their religion with great diversity, linked as much to local influences as theology. Political intrigue, theological beliefs, and simple misunderstandings created a need for dialogue between the many practitioners of the growing faith.

Christianity's adoption as the official faith of the Roman state tied it inexorably to the fortunes of the Empire. This also helped to create a gulf between the two main theological branches of the religion, which remain to this day.

©2005 Thomas F. Madden (P)2005 Recorded Books Christianity Early Church
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Initially I just dipped into this audiobook when I'd
finished others and was waiting for the next
download, but then I got hooked. The lecturer has a
rather hesitant style at first, probably because
it's quite difficult giving a lecture without faces
in front of you, but he does pick up.
The history covers from the time of the apostles up
to the seventh century when much of the Eastern
Roman empire fell. It talks about the organisation
of the church, why the church relied on apostolic
succession (to ensure continuity of the message),
the disputes about the nature of Jesus and the
rivalry of the various patriarchies.
There were a couple of points where I felt I wanted
more information. In an early lecture he refers to
which apostles were known to have gone to particular
places and which are later legends, but doesn't go
into the sources of the information.
In a much later lecture he touches on the Celtic
church, referring to it having been in Ireland and I
think mentions Scotland, but then moves immediately
to St Augustine's mission to Canterbury. There's no
suggestion that the Celtic church was not only well
established in the north of Britain, including
Northumbria, but was also sending missions out to
Europe. In fact when he refers to the Germanic
tribes as receiving missionaries he only talks of
those who came from Byzantium. I would have liked to
have known how influential the Celtic church was in
those missions as my understanding had been that a
lot of settlements in Germany and Switzerland owe
their names to Celtic saints.

Those are only minor quibbles and this is well worth
listening too.

fascinating

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For some time I have been looking for an audiobook covering the Early Church as the subject fascinates me. I wanted to strip away the layers of Dogma which have been built up, layer by layer, and see a glimpse of how the Apostles saw their way of worship.

I have listened to a few audiobooks but few gave me a picture of the way of worship - until that is, I saw “From Jesus To Christianity”.

It is just the perfect book, easy to understand, full of absolutely fascinating information and detail, and read by a very friendly voice. In fact it seemed as though Prof. Madden was imparting his vast knowledge in conversation, say on a train journey.

I was held riveted throughout the seven hours and I am left with the most beautiful picture of the Early Church. I have recommended it to friends who are also looking for a more gentle and compassionate Church - and it is a church which was there all along. It just needed searching for, and, thanks to Professor Madden, I have found it. It closely resembles the Church I imagined as a child.

So, as you may have gathered, I highly recommend this truly excellent audiobook.

Listening to this book was a wonderful experience

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It's written in such a conversational way, with such an easy structure to follow, whilst clearly written by an academic, I highly recommend it as an easy listen as to how the catholic church came to be and the troubles it had to deal with protecting Christ.

Such an easy listen

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Would you listen to The Modern Scholar: From Jesus to Christianity: A History of the Early Church again? Why?

I would enjoy listening to this again because I found some of the information very valuable and I want to make sure I retain it. Thomas Madden was able to set the context whilst telling the tale and that was what made it so fascinating for me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Modern Scholar: From Jesus to Christianity: A History of the Early Church?

There were some top moments but I think overall the atmosphere he created around the tale of the early Church, it's success being very much a product of the existence of the Roman empire and the inexplicable conversion of Constantine. I realised it must have been very difficult for the Roman emporer. I think realising that obviously God's providence was evident in the success of Christianity was stimulating.

Any additional comments?

I like Thomas Madden's style. I am looking forward to listening to more of his lectures.

Just what I hoped it would be!

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Compelling history, well told. I like Ancient Rome and this was a different kind of story than I’ve heard before.

Fascinating stuff.

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