Das goldene Zeitalter des Christentums

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In this groundbreaking work, renowned scholar Philip Jenkins reveals a lost history, showing that for centuries, Christianity's center was in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, with communities extending to China. The book uncovers a vast network of influential Christian churches that thrived east of the Roman Empire, where their leaders played key roles in the Middle East and became prominent figures in the emerging Muslim empire. Jenkins recounts the shocking decline of these churches, which had the closest ties to Jesus and the early church. He challenges the prevailing view that alternative Christianities vanished in the fourth and fifth centuries due to a new hierarchy under Constantine that sought to eliminate unorthodox beliefs. Instead, Jenkins argues that the largest churches, often labeled as “heretics,” were the most influential Christian groups in Asia, maintaining their significance for an additional thousand years beyond their supposed extinction. This exploration provides a fresh perspective on contemporary issues in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Understanding this lost history is crucial for grasping our collective religious past and recognizing the surprising revitalizations of Christianity today, reaffirming its status as a true world religion.