The Dawn of Christianity: People and Gods in a Time of Magic and Miracles

(Paperback, Main)

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Exploring the origins of Christianity, this book looks at why it was that people first in Judea and then in the Roman and Greek Mediterranean world became susceptible to the new religion. Robert Knapp looks for answers in a wide-ranging exploration of religion and everyday life from 200 BC to the end of the first century.

Survival, honour and wellbeing were the chief preoccupations of Jews and polytheists alike. In both cases, the author shows, people turned first to supernatural powers. According to need, season and place polytheists consulted and placated vast constellations of gods, while the Jews worshipped and contended with one almighty and jealous deity.

Professor Knapp considers why any Jew or polytheist would voluntarily dispense with a well-tried way of dealing with the supernatural and trade it in for a new model. What was it about the new religion that led people to change beliefs they had held for millennia and which in turn, within four centuries of the birth of its messiah, led it to transform the western world His conclusions are as convincing as they are sometimes surprising.

Reviews

A most readable and enjoyable overview of religion in the Roman Empire ... an excellent book. -- Robert A. Segal * Times Higher Education *
Praise for Invisible Romans: 'Hugely ambitious ... entertaining as well as informative * Scotsman *
If you like your information to come thick and fast, this is the book for you * BBC History *
Knapp discovers the hopes, dreams and lives of ordinary people living under Imperial Rome ... a remarkably kind and thoughtful book. * THES *
This unusual and scholarly book is rich with revelation. * Daily Express *
Fascinating ... Knapp puts [his] case forcefully and well. -- Catherine Nixey * The Times *

Author Bio

Robert Knapp taught ancient history for over thirty years at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is now Professor Emeritus. He has published extensively on the world of the Roman Empire, including Invisible Romans (Profile 2011).