The triumph of Christianity

The largest grassroots movement in history ... Nowhere has it been written that Christianity will be the dominant religion in the West. It could just as easily have happened to go down in history books as just a tiny Judaism sect. In comparison, the Christian Church, which had only a few dozen followers with manual labor at first, gained thirty million believers in nearly four hundred years and became the official religion of Rome. What could have been the key to success? In the Triumph of Christianity, Professor Bart D. Ehrman explores the early history of Christianity in a highly readable and thought-provoking form with detailed research. Boasting several New York Times bestsellers, the author shows through a number of charismatic protagonists how the brilliant strategy and irresistible message led to the gradual transition of the faithful. Ehrman’s argument contradicts what we have thought so far about the most important cultural paradigm shift in world history — revolutionizing the fine arts, music, literature, philosophy, ethics, economics, and law. Contents The Beginning of the End: Constantine's Conversion Back to the Beginning: Paul's Conversion and Mission Roman Pagan Religions Reasons for Christianity's Miracle Miracle as a means of persuasion The Growth of the Church Christians Under Fire: Persecution, Martyrdom, and Self-Defense The First Christian Emperor Conversion and Coercion The dawn of the Christian empire