How Did Christianity Begin?: A Believer and Non-Believer Examine the Evidence

by Michael F. Bird / James G. Crossley


(See larger photo)	Retail: $19.95 Size: 6.25 x 9.25 inches Binding: Paper Pages: 224 Pub Date: 2008 ISBN: 9781598563412 ISBN-13: 9781598563412 Item Number: 563412 Categories: Biblical Studies and Interpretation Specifications


Product Description • Provides an introduction to Christian origins from two very different points of view • There is increasing interest in Christian origins at the scholarly and also popular level • Includes contributions from internationally known scholars Scot McKnight and Maurice Casey ABOUT THE BOOK The objective of How Did Christianity Begin? is to present two contrasting perspectives on the history of early Christianity. The contrast is evidently sharp as one co-author comes from a conservative Christian background (Michael Bird), while the other co-author (James Crossley) approaches the matter from a secular standpoint. The volume works sequentially through Christian origins and addresses various topics including the historical Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, the Apostle Paul, the Gospels, and the early church. Each author in turn examines these subjects and lays out his historical arguments concerning their origin and meaning. The volume also includes short responses from two other scholars (Maurice Casey and Scot McKnight) to the arguments of Bird and Crossley so as to give an even handed and broad evaluation of the arguments and debates that unfold.
Reviews “An unusually constructed book, this work invites the reader in on a running debate between an Evangelical Christian (Michael Bird) and a professed agnostic or secularist (James Crossley) about the historical origin and significance of Christianity. They present, with mutual respect but with directness, mostly opposing views on such topics as the historical Jesus, the resurrection, the significance of Paul, and the emergence and historical value of the gospels. To enhance the voices, two other biblical scholars add a postscript, with Scott McKnight taking on James Crossley and Maurice Casey taking some exceptions to Michael Bird’s evangelical perspective. For the reader who can persevere through all the back and forth, this is an informative discussion.” —Bible Today "It is a helpful introduction to many of the current issues in the study of early Christian origins and provides a useful starting place for students and newcomers to the issues it explores." —Criswell Theological Review "This book will serve as a good introduction to the issues for many college and seminary students." —Religious Studies Review
Author Bios
Michael F. Bird is lecturer in New Testament at the Highland Theological Institute. He has published several articles on the linguistic background to the gospels and the Gospel of Mark and is the author of the forthcoming Jesus and the Origins of the Gentile Mission.
James G. Crossley is lecturer in New Testament at the University of Sheffield. He is the author of The Date of Mark’s Gospel: Insight from the Law in Earliest Christianityand Why Christianity Happened: A Sociohistorical Account of Christian Origins 26–50 CE.
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