Book SummaryThe Story of Christianity Volume 1, by Justo L. González

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Story of Christianity Volume 1

The foundational Christian congregation: Its Origins and Sociocultural Context.

González begins by highlighting the necessity of examining the intricate societal fabric of the Mediterranean area at the time to fully grasp the initial spread of the Christian faith. González explores how Christianity was shaped by a trio of critical forces: the religious teachings of the Jewish faith, the intellectual and cultural progressions attributed to Greek civilization, and the administrative systems established by Roman rule.

The earliest Christian church's foundational structure was deeply shaped by traditions and convictions originating from Judaism.

The initial development of the church was profoundly influenced by the belief of its early adherents, who emerged from Jewish customs, that Christ was the fulfillment of the anticipated Messiah. González emphasizes the importance of the Old Testament's historical narratives as they document the ways God revealed Himself through the experiences and trajectory of His chosen people, Israel. The New Testament's proclamation that God's entry into human history via the life and teachings of Jesus should be seen as a completion of Judaism, not as its opposition.

Understanding the New Testament is enhanced when it is examined within the context of its historical era.

González emphasizes that the gospels portray Jesus in a manner that often links specific occurrences to the prevailing historical context and the ruling powers of that era. The Gospel of Luke introduces the backdrop for the nativity of Jesus at a time when Quirinius governed Syria and Herod held dominion over Judaea, while the Gospel of Matthew initiates its account with a lineage that situates Jesus firmly in the historical and hopeful context of Israel, specifying that his birth occurred under Herod's kingship. The writer is of the opinion that to truly understand the message of the New Testament, which is perceived as a revelation deeply connected with historical events, one must have an in-depth understanding of history.

Practical Tips

• Compare contemporary accounts of history with the New Testament narrative. Look for writings from historians of the era, such as Josephus or Tacitus, and compare their accounts with those found in the New Testament. This comparison can highlight differences and similarities, giving you a deeper insight into the historical context of the biblical texts.
• Engage with the historical period by visiting a museum with artifacts or exhibits related to the time of Quirinius and Herod. Observing real artifacts, reading descriptions, and possibly attending a guided tour can provide a tangible connection to the era, enriching your personal application of the historical context.
• Engage in reflective writing sessions where you explore the impact of leadership figures in your life, akin to the influence of Herod's kingship on his contemporaries. Set aside time each week to journal about leaders who have affected your personal journey, whether they be teachers, bosses, or public figures. Reflect on how their leadership styles and decisions have influenced your values, choices, and the direction of your life.

The initial Christian community embraced key elements from Jewish tradition, such as monotheism and the expectation of an eventual redemption.

González goes on to explain that the Jewish context in which Christianity appeared was itself diverse, with various groups interpreting the faith and practices of Israel in different ways. A group often mentioned in the Gospels, the Pharisees, sought to weave the faith and laws of Israel into the fabric of everyday life. They often clashed with Jesus because of their intense emphasis on strict observance of religious laws. Jesus and his first followers were united in their belief in specific theological principles, such as the expectation of an ultimate resurrection and the reality of heavenly beings. The Sadducees, recognized for their traditional views on religious and political issues, played a smaller part in shaping the early Christian movement. Other factions also emerged, such as the Zealots, who were resolute in their objective to drive out the Romans by means of armed insurrection, and the Essenes, known for their austere lifestyle and tendency to withdraw from active participation in society.

Though their doctrines and practices varied widely, these communities shared a dedication to the ethical worship of one God and eagerly awaited future events of a prophetic nature. The belief in and reverence for a singular, omnipotent deity who demands correct faith and behavior is a principle that continues to be shared by both Jews and Christians. Eschatological hope simply means that they all believed God would eventually intervene in history and establish a reign of peace and justice. Zealots, were determined to establish this dominion through violent means, whereas others patiently waited for divine action.

Context

• Different groups had varying expectations of a messiah, ranging from a political leader who would restore Israel's independence to a spiritual figure who would bring about cosmic renewal.
• After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Pharisaic traditions significantly influenced Rabbinic Judaism, shaping Jewish religious practice for centuries.
• The Sadducees, a Jewish sect at the time, notably rejected the belief in resurrection and the existence of angels, which set them apart from other groups like the Pharisees and early Christians who embraced these ideas.
• Their adherence to the written Torah alone, without the oral traditions embraced by the Pharisees, made their religious practices more rigid and less adaptable to the new theological ideas that Christianity introduced.
• The Essenes were a Jewish sect known for their communal living, strict adherence to purity laws, and ascetic practices. They are often associated with the Dead Sea...

The Story of Christianity Volume 1 Summary The formative growth, challenges, and doctrinal development of the early church.

In this section, the author explores the expansion and resilience of Christianity, even when confronted with oppression, a battle that, as Gonzalez notes, not only solidified its core convictions but also laid the groundwork for its ecclesiastical hierarchy.

The teachings of Christianity initially spread from Jerusalem, extending to communities beyond those with Jewish backgrounds.

The author highlights a specific issue that was important for shaping the nature of the church throughout the ages: the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, and in particular the question of whether or not Gentiles had to follow Jewish Law in order to be fully Christian.

Christians of Jewish origin who were influenced by Hellenistic culture played a key role in reaching out to communities beyond the Jewish faith.

Christianity's expansion beyond Judea and Samaria emphasized the importance of pre-existing strains, with Hellenistic Jewish Christians being instrumental in extending the influence of the faith, as noted by González. The scriptural narrative detailing Philip's work in Samaria and Peter's engagement with Cornelius, as found in the text documenting the deeds of the...

The Story of Christianity Volume 1 Summary Christianity was adopted by the Roman Empire, subsequently evolving into a religious institution with imperial authority.

The moment Constantine accepted Christianity is seen by González as a critical juncture in the evolution of the Christian religion. Having endured extended stretches of hardship and repeated instances of Roman authorities' persecution, the church now discovered itself in an unexpected state of peace. Christianity's rise to the status of the empire's official religion occurred progressively, and the measures implemented by Constantine, along with those by leaders who followed, significantly transformed the church's organizational framework and core nature, resulting in a growth of its influence and assets.

The church's growth and character were profoundly shaped by Constantine's adoption of Christianity.

González explains that Constantine embracing Christianity did not instantly grant the church a position of official recognition, nor did it herald an era of peace and stability. His governance, as well as that of his successors, was marked by turmoil, hostility, and intrigue, which impacted the empire at large and also led to strained relations between church leaders and individuals seeking to exploit the power of the empire for their own benefit.

Constantine's...

The Story of Christianity Volume 1 Summary Theological debates, the rise of monastic life, and the spread of Christianity beyond the confines of the Roman Empire.

Theological concerns, according to González, hold a position of utmost importance, even as social norms and spiritual rituals within the Christian community undergo changes. With the establishment of tranquility, theologians were afforded the opportunity to delve deeper into complex theological matters that had only been briefly touched upon during times of oppression, and there was a renewed vigor in missionary endeavors and monastic commitments, partly as a counteraction to the perceived secular and apathetic tendencies that had emerged among believers during the time of Constantine.

The resolution of the controversy surrounding Arianism post-Nicea Council was significantly influenced by key figures such as Athanasius and the revered Cappadocian Fathers.

The evolution during the fourth and fifth centuries was shaped by numerous elements that surpassed the personal awareness or interests of Constantine, despite his conversion playing a pivotal role in what is commonly known as the "Constantinian era." Efforts to clarify Christian doctrines persisted long after Constantine's rule, facing new challenges.

The intricate political and theological aspects of the controversy...