Problems of approach -- What pagans believed -- Christianity as presented -- Points of contact, modes of persuasion, before 312 -- Constantine as friend of the church -- Nonreligious factors in conversion -- Evangelical campaigns and publicity, after 312 -- Conversion of intellectuals -- How complete was conversion? -- Conversion by coercion -- Summary
Summary
"How did the early Christian church manage to win its dominant place in the Roman world? In his newest book, an eminent historian of ancient Rome examines this question from a secular rather than an ecclesiastical viewpoint. MacMullen's provocative conclusion is that mass conversions to Christianity were based more on the appeal of miracle or the opportunity for worldly advantages than simply on a 'rising tide of Christian piety.'"-- Provided by publisher
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 167-179) and index
