Early Religious History

Discover the hidden wisdom that shaped early Christianity with this comprehensive collection of ancient texts translated into clear, accessible modern English. This definitive edition brings together the most important Gnostic writings ever discovered, including the complete texts from the renowned Nag Hammadi Library. Unlike academic translations filled with archaic language, this collection presents these profound teachings in contemporary English that speaks directly to modern readers. What's Inside: The Gospel of Thomas - Jesus's secret sayings and hidden wisdom The Gospel of Mary - The...

Carlos Eire, popular professor and gifted writer, chronicles the 200-year era of the Renaissance and Reformation with particular attention to issues that persist as concerns in the present day. Eire connects the Protestant and Catholic Reformations in new and profound ways, and he demonstrates convincingly that this crucial turning point in history not only affected people long gone but continues to shape our world and define who we are today.

James was a vegetarian, wore only linen clothing, bathed daily at dawn in cold water, and was a life-long Nazirite. In this profound and provocative work of scholarly detection, eminent biblical scholar Robert Eisenman introduces a startling theory about the identity of James - the brother of Jesus - who was almost entirely marginalized in the New Testament.

The Gospel of Nicodemus: A Clear Text Edition in True 16pt Large Print Experience one of early Christianity’s most dramatic and influential works—now presented in modern, accessible English and genuine 16pt large print for effortless reading. Includes both sections of the traditional text: the Acts of Pilate (the Trial of Jesus) and the Descent into Hell, fully translated and rendered in clear modern English. What if the trial of Jesus was only the beginning? The Gospel of Nicodemus takes you beyond the familiar Gospel accounts into a world of courtroom drama, miraculous testimonies, ...

They arrive without names. They leave without explanation. And yet they changed the story forever. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Wise Men appear briefly—foreign sages from the East, guided by a star, bearing gifts for a child they call king. No number is given. No names are spoken. They are not called kings. They do not arrive at a manger. They simply recognize, kneel, and depart. What follows over the next two thousand years is one of the most remarkable transformations in religious history. In The Wise Men: From Eastern Magi to Christmas Kings, Philippe Faucon traces how a handful of ...

Mary is the flower of femininity to some, a woman of power to others. She has been seen as a paragon of obedience as well as an instrument of liberation. Some have piled her status so high that it rivals that of her Son. Other do their best to ignore her. Behind all of those images is a girl who grew up to be the mother of Christ.

From peasants to princes, no one was untouched by the spiritual and intellectual upheaval of the 16th century. Martin Luther's challenge to church authority forced Christians to examine their beliefs in ways that shook the foundations of their religion. The subsequent divisions, fed by dynastic rivalries and military changes, fundamentally altered the relations between ruler and ruled. Geographical and scientific discoveries challenged the unity of Christendom as a belief community.

From classics such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid to fifth-century Christian apocrypha, narratives that described guided tours of the afterlife played a major role in shaping ancient notions of morality and ethics. In this new account, acclaimed author Bart Ehrman contextualizes early Christian narratives of heaven and hell within the broader intellectual and cultural worlds from which they emerged.

Was there a woman before Eve? The question does not arise from a single text or a single moment in time. It moves across centuries, reappears in different forms, and is often attributed to writings that never posed it in this way. Between what is written and what later came to be told, a space opens—and it is within that space that legend takes hold. This book traces the emergence and development of this idea through the very texts and traditions that shaped it. It begins in the ancient world, where names associated with night, wilderness, and desolation belonged to the religious and ...

Three friends. One train. A journey through time they never expected—and might not escape. Trevor Hollings thinks his life is completely ordinary. His neighborhood is boring. School is the worst—especially history class—and nothing exciting ever happens. But when Trevor, Becky, and Andrew stumble onto a mysterious train in the middle of the night, they’re thrown headfirst into a wild adventure through the past. From the dangerous gold rush camps of the 1840s to the sweltering bakeries of 19th-century New York, and even into the shadowy tunnels of a deadly train disaster, the kids ...

Two rival sects. One battle for the soul of Judaism. A legacy that shaped the world. For centuries, the Essenes and the Pharisees stood on opposite ends of a religious and political divide—one withdrawing into the wilderness, the other entrenching itself in power. Their conflict would ripple far beyond the borders of ancient Judea, influencing the rise of Christianity, reshaping Jewish thought, and leaving behind a legacy still debated today. The Essenes—mystics, ascetics, and the mysterious keepers of the Dead Sea Scrolls. They abandoned society, awaiting the end of days and the coming...

Step Beyond the Surface Have you ever wondered if there's more to your faith than what you currently experience? Flooded with Fire: Unleashing God's Power Through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit invites you on an enlightening journey. It's not just about having the Holy Spirit; it’s about being immersed in His fiery power.A Transformative Invitation Do you sometimes feel like your spiritual life is more about routine than wonder? Imagine breaking free from the mundane, stepping into a vibrant, dynamic relationship with God that energizes every aspect of your existence. Envision your chains...

Lost for nearly 1,700 years, newly restored and authenticated, the Gospel of Judas presents a very different view of the relationship between Jesus and Judas. Rather than paint Judas as a traitor, it portrays him as acting at Jesus' request.

Intergenerational trauma. A search for closure. After his mother disappears during WW2, will uncovering painful truths help him find redemption? Pre-Soviet Ukraine, 1915. Katarina Rempel dreams of impossible futures. Born into a traditional Mennonite family and expectations of marrying young, the feisty teenager yearns to leave her staid community behind and travel the world. But when bandits attack their farm, she barely survives with her body and mind wounded. Germany, 1951. Peter Krahn longs to make sense of the past. Discovering his adopted mother’s secrets in a box of forgotten ...

This book welcomes listeners to appreciate the origins of Christianity within the Roman world in which early Christianity got its first foothold. It does that by immersing listeners in the life and culture of two thriving first-century towns—Pompeii and Herculaneum. Those towns (destroyed in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE) act as showpieces of the world into which the early Christian movement was spreading.

They built pulpits they would never own—but their voices still echo through time. Before Aimee Semple McPherson filled radio airwaves, before women stood behind pulpits or theology lecterns, a chorus of nineteenth-century pioneers reshaped the spiritual life of America. Women of the Spirit tells their story. From revival tents on the frontier to the lecture halls of reform and the early airwaves of modern faith, these women defied silence not by rebellion but by conviction. Harriet Livermore preached before Congress; Phoebe Palmer turned holiness into a movement; Maria Woodworth-Etter ...

Unlock the wisdom of early Christianity with The Epistle of Barnabas: A Beginner's Guide. This essential volume offers an insightful exploration into one of the most profound texts that shaped the foundations of Christian thought. Are you ready to deepen your understanding of faith and uncover the spiritual insights hidden within ancient teachings? This guide takes you on a journey through the Epistle of Barnabas, revealing its timeless relevance and powerful messages. Dive into Spiritual Interpretations: Uncover the allegorical readings of Jewish laws, revealing deeper spiritual meanings ...

The Spiritual Currency explores how ancient religious beliefs have influenced modern economic systems. The book examines how religious doctrines shaped early financial practices including banking, trade ethics, and concepts of debt and credit. It delves into how institutions rooted in religious traditions evolved into today's financial and governmental structures affecting economic growth, capitalism and the geopolitical order.

Kindle the Unseen: Discover the Resilient Spirit of the Huguenots In Times of Darkness, the Brightest Flames of Faith Are Kindled Have you ever pondered how, in the direst epochs of religious persecution, certain communities not only survive but spiritually thrive? "Flames of Faith: The Huguenot Spirit in the Face of Adversity" dives deep into this phenomenon through the lens of the Huguenots during one of history's darkest periods.Envision a World Wrapped in Peril Yet Radiating with an Unshakable Strength This isn't merely a recount of history; it's an exploration into how, amidst looming ...

St. Paul Goes to Spain What if the Apostle Paul, after his release from imprisonment in Rome, embarked on a daring journey to the far reaches of the Roman Empire? "St. Paul Goes to Spain" by Lawrence Clayton is a riveting historical fiction novel that imagines this very scenario, blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling. Join Matthew Western, an intrepid archaeologist, as he uncovers ancient artifacts in the Sinai desert, sparking a quest to prove that Paul indeed traveled to Spain. His journey intertwines with the lives of several compelling characters: John Baldus, a former...