Christian Life in the Primitive Church

by Ernst von Dobschütz

Publishers:

Williams and Norgate; G. P. Putnam’s Sons

, 1904

Overview

What was primitive Christianity? Ernst von Dobschütz gives a picture of early Christian life on its moral side—not only by diffusing exact knowledge of old Christian manners and morals, but by disseminating the spirit of primitive Christianity: the earnest, strong, and victorious spirit of faithful religious and moral activity. What von Dobschütz investigates is not the ethical teaching of primitive Christianity, but its real morals. At the same time, however, he wishes to express his very distinct conviction that historical progress cannot be explained by forces originating in a collective way, but by eminent leaders or heroes. The astonishing success of the gospel during the first century is the work of St. Paul and his fellow-laborers, not of the mass of Christian converts whom they brought together by their preaching.

Key Features

• Explores morality and religion in early Christian life
• Investigates the background behind the way of life for early Christians
• Analyzes how leaders influenced the culture they lived in

Product Details

• Title: Christian Life in the Primitive Church
• Author: Ernst von Dobschütz
• Publisher: Williams & Norgate
• Publication Date: 1904
• Pages: 438
• Resource Type: Monographs
• Topic: Apostolic Fathers

About Ernst von Dobschütz

Ernst Adolf Alfred Oskar Adalbert von Dobschütz (9 October 1870 – 20 May 1934) was a German theologian, textual critic, author of numerous books and professor at the University of Halle, the University of Breslau, and the University of Strasbourg. He also gave lectures in the United States and Sweden. He was born in and died in Halle.