The Apocalypse

Study of Apocalypse, Book of Revelation's authorship, context, Christian-Empire relationship, and the enigmatic "synagogue of Satan."

Christianity's rise despite Jesus' crucifixion, origin of "Christians," Nero's accusation, and Revelation's anti-Roman stance.

Examines Christians' impact on Romans in early 2nd century, their arrest response, Ignatius' martyrdom request, differences from Jewish martyrs.

Examines Pagan perception of Christians, mutual lack of understanding, purpose of apologies to emperors, Christian-Jewish dialogue, and "True Israel."

Explores Christians' need for Christian literature, New Testament's purpose, orthodoxy criteria, Marcion's role, and Christian-Jewish God distinction.

Investigates vanished Christian forms, definition of gnosis, secret revelations, scarcity of traces, and gnosis' threat to the Church.

Explores Christianity's rise, Pagan resistance, monotheism, sudden persecutions, survival strategies, and Diocletian's motives.

Examines Constantine's conversion at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, sincerity, political advantages, beliefs, and the Church-Empire relationship.

Questions Constantine's faith, control over the Church, convening of the Council of Nicaea, attendees, debated issues, resolution, and modern echoes.

Explores benefits of Christian-Roman alliance, consequences of state religion declaration, and the devastating impact of Rome's sack in 410.

Explores how a Jewish sect became Western religion, controversies over Loisy's statement, and the unacceptability of Christianity's Jewish origins.