Antiqua Mater - A Study of Christian Origins #226489

What may we learn — apart from the books of the New Testament — from the old Christian and the Grace Roman literature of the second century, in respect to the origin and the earliest development of Christianity?' It seemed to the writer convenient, and even necessary for the sake of clearness, to understand the question as referring to the origin and early history of the people called Christiani, and of their beliefs and practices. The term Christianity seems Of too vague and vast an import to be fitted for introduction into a historical investigation of this kind; moreover, it is something of an anachronism to use SO abstract a denomination in connection with the new-forming religious life Of the second century.