The Complete Idiot's Guide to Early Christianity

Where it all began—for two billion followers worldwide.

The most popular religion in the world has a variety of doctrines, beliefs, and practices. This book helps its legion of followers to better understand where it all began, while exploring everything from how early Christians lived to Jesus' initial message and its impact on the church.

• Explores every aspect of the church and the roots of its core beliefs
• Easy to understand and use
• Covers the hot topics of Christianity—women in the church, Gnosticism, politics, and more
• Author is a well-known scholar and expert on ancient Christianity

J. Michael Matkin is a full-time author and speaker. A founding member of the Eighth Day Community, he also served as the executive director of The Brendan Center. Matkin is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Gnostic Gospels, and is currently pursuing doctoral work in the history of spiritual formation through Bakke Graduate University.