Book of 1Enoch - Christ Centered Universalism Mystery - Essays in First Christianity

Book of 1Enoch - Christ Centered Universalism Mystery - Essays in First Christianity

Author: Jonathan Ramachandran

Publisher: AnonymousChristian.Org

Published: 2020-01-01

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13:

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Book of 1Enoch is the one which is quoted word for word by Apostle Jude in the Bible. There are other types of Enoch labelled today as 2Enoch etc. which are different. Many of the earlier fathers of the Church such as St. Justin Martyr, St. Ireneous of Lyons, St. Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen of Alexandria and even the Epistle of Barnabas considered this Book of 1Enoch as Scripture. Till today, some Churches consider this Book as part of the Biblical Canon. In this Book, we explore an interesting prophecy in Chapter 50 (of a well known translation of this book) which may Speak of a Christ Centered Universalism Hope in some way. In support of that exegesis, we look a few possibly related Bible Verses and even other similar First Christianity Writings which may help us understand this Prophecy better. Since it's not in one of the 66 Books of the Bible, we don't explicitly teach it as a 100% certain doctrine but view it as a possibility. This does not mean that the Prophecy is probabilistic but rather that we don't know for sure. Only God knows but studying these First Christianity Orthodox writings gives an insight to such a rarely known Hope within Christianity. Peace to you.


Book Synopsis Book of 1Enoch - Christ Centered Universalism Mystery - Essays in First Christianity by : Jonathan Ramachandran

Download or read book Book of 1Enoch - Christ Centered Universalism Mystery - Essays in First Christianity written by Jonathan Ramachandran and published by AnonymousChristian.Org. This book was released on 2020-01-01 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Book of 1Enoch is the one which is quoted word for word by Apostle Jude in the Bible. There are other types of Enoch labelled today as 2Enoch etc. which are different. Many of the earlier fathers of the Church such as St. Justin Martyr, St. Ireneous of Lyons, St. Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen of Alexandria and even the Epistle of Barnabas considered this Book of 1Enoch as Scripture. Till today, some Churches consider this Book as part of the Biblical Canon. In this Book, we explore an interesting prophecy in Chapter 50 (of a well known translation of this book) which may Speak of a Christ Centered Universalism Hope in some way. In support of that exegesis, we look a few possibly related Bible Verses and even other similar First Christianity Writings which may help us understand this Prophecy better. Since it's not in one of the 66 Books of the Bible, we don't explicitly teach it as a 100% certain doctrine but view it as a possibility. This does not mean that the Prophecy is probabilistic but rather that we don't know for sure. Only God knows but studying these First Christianity Orthodox writings gives an insight to such a rarely known Hope within Christianity. Peace to you.


Lake of Fire - Hope for the Wicked One Day? - Essays in First Christianity

Lake of Fire - Hope for the Wicked One Day? - Essays in First Christianity

Author: Jonathan Ramachandran

Publisher: AnonymousChristian.Org

Published: 2019-01-01

Total Pages: 1603

ISBN-13:

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Christ Centered Universalism has been a Hope in First Christianity among the earliest orthodox Christians as testified even as late in St. Augustine of Hippo's infamous quote in that even he didn't call them as heretics but soft hearted Christians who did not deny Holy Scripture. A form of Christian Universalism by Origen of Alexandria may have been condemned by a later council. For protestants, please take note that both St. Augustine and that later council consists of members who Pray to Virgin Mary something which is absent from even Origen of Alexandria. Therefore, just because something is majority by later early Christianity it does not necessarily mean that it was First Christianity Doctrine. In light of this, we discuss various viewpoints, quotes by Church Fathers and Ancient Christian Writings in support of this Hope. Since the time lapse and loss of records to these First Christians being replaced by later Christianity is hard to trace or prove due to scarcity of evidences, nevertheless we endeavour to present as much as we can including some rarely known quotes within Christian Universalism Hopefuls itself. An example of a set of rare quotes which point to Christ Centered Universalism in this book which may not be popularly known is that by St. Hillary of Poitiers, the Champion of Trinity in the West and a set of interesting quotes likewise by St. Ignatius of Antioch who was a direct disciple if St. John the Apostle of Christ himself. We see traces of such an understanding in a quote by St. Justin Martyr toward the Wicked being made subject to obey God eventually as one child while St. Ireneous of Lyons has a few interesting quotes especially those that relate to the Concept of Ages/Aeons/Olam to come where in a particular instance, St. Ireneus clearly shows that the strongest phrase "ages of Ages" refers to the subset "ages" out of a larger set of "Ages" implying limitedness. Just like God of Abraham does not limit God to Abraham only, the phrase God's Glory to the Age/Aeon/Olam (singular) need not limit God's Glory to one Age only but may be highlighting it for that Age (unknown long time period). We do not need to teach it as a 100% certain doctrine but we may hope for it as the Bible Verses can also be understood consistently to present this Hope in some Way. One Day we will know and all things are possible with God Who Alone Decides. Peace to you.


Book Synopsis Lake of Fire - Hope for the Wicked One Day? - Essays in First Christianity by : Jonathan Ramachandran

Download or read book Lake of Fire - Hope for the Wicked One Day? - Essays in First Christianity written by Jonathan Ramachandran and published by AnonymousChristian.Org. This book was released on 2019-01-01 with total page 1603 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christ Centered Universalism has been a Hope in First Christianity among the earliest orthodox Christians as testified even as late in St. Augustine of Hippo's infamous quote in that even he didn't call them as heretics but soft hearted Christians who did not deny Holy Scripture. A form of Christian Universalism by Origen of Alexandria may have been condemned by a later council. For protestants, please take note that both St. Augustine and that later council consists of members who Pray to Virgin Mary something which is absent from even Origen of Alexandria. Therefore, just because something is majority by later early Christianity it does not necessarily mean that it was First Christianity Doctrine. In light of this, we discuss various viewpoints, quotes by Church Fathers and Ancient Christian Writings in support of this Hope. Since the time lapse and loss of records to these First Christians being replaced by later Christianity is hard to trace or prove due to scarcity of evidences, nevertheless we endeavour to present as much as we can including some rarely known quotes within Christian Universalism Hopefuls itself. An example of a set of rare quotes which point to Christ Centered Universalism in this book which may not be popularly known is that by St. Hillary of Poitiers, the Champion of Trinity in the West and a set of interesting quotes likewise by St. Ignatius of Antioch who was a direct disciple if St. John the Apostle of Christ himself. We see traces of such an understanding in a quote by St. Justin Martyr toward the Wicked being made subject to obey God eventually as one child while St. Ireneous of Lyons has a few interesting quotes especially those that relate to the Concept of Ages/Aeons/Olam to come where in a particular instance, St. Ireneus clearly shows that the strongest phrase "ages of Ages" refers to the subset "ages" out of a larger set of "Ages" implying limitedness. Just like God of Abraham does not limit God to Abraham only, the phrase God's Glory to the Age/Aeon/Olam (singular) need not limit God's Glory to one Age only but may be highlighting it for that Age (unknown long time period). We do not need to teach it as a 100% certain doctrine but we may hope for it as the Bible Verses can also be understood consistently to present this Hope in some Way. One Day we will know and all things are possible with God Who Alone Decides. Peace to you.


Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years

Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years

Author: John Wesley Hanson

Publisher:

Published: 1899

Total Pages: 342

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years by : John Wesley Hanson

Download or read book Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years written by John Wesley Hanson and published by . This book was released on 1899 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Divine Mystery

The Divine Mystery

Author: Allen Upward

Publisher:

Published: 1915

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Divine Mystery by : Allen Upward

Download or read book The Divine Mystery written by Allen Upward and published by . This book was released on 1915 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch

Author: Enoch

Publisher:

Published: 2018-04-03

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 9781515436171

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Book Synopsis The Book of Enoch by : Enoch

Download or read book The Book of Enoch written by Enoch and published by . This book was released on 2018-04-03 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Book of the Secrets of Enoch

The Book of the Secrets of Enoch

Author: R. H. Charles

Publisher: Literary Licensing, LLC

Published: 2014-03

Total Pages: 148

ISBN-13: 9781497836341

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This Is A New Release Of The Original 1896 Edition.


Book Synopsis The Book of the Secrets of Enoch by : R. H. Charles

Download or read book The Book of the Secrets of Enoch written by R. H. Charles and published by Literary Licensing, LLC. This book was released on 2014-03 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Is A New Release Of The Original 1896 Edition.


The Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch

Author: Robert Bagley, III

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2016-04-10

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 9781530282937

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Why is "The Book Of Enoch" so important to anyone interested in Biblical History? The answer is simple...it is directly quoted in the New Testament by Jude (vv.14-15) and themes of the book referenced in 2 Peter 2:1. Also, the first 36 chapters have been considered Scripture in the Ethiopic Coptic Church (a church who ascribes their founder as the Apostle John). Additionally, it was one of the most significant Jewish Pseudepigrapha (writings ascribed to some other than the real author*). It is believed that The Book of Enoch was taken out of the Jewish Canon by the Sanhedrin just after Jesus' death because of the prophesies they thought pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. However, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church states, ..".this view has been increasingly questioned, especially since the discovery of the Qumran fragments [where Dead Sea Scrolls were found]; for although all the other sections of 1 Enoch are well represented in these fragments, the messianic chapters (37-71) were not represented at all. Nor are they represented in the Greek and Latin fragments. It is probable, therefore, that they are a later (Christian) insertion into the Book and that it was the New Testament which influenced them rather than vice versa."* There is no question, however, that the chapters outside chapters 37-71 are BC in their time-origin as they were part of the fragments in Qumran. For further proof, here are some stark and uncanny Book of Enoch references in the New Testament: 1.Jesus referred to The Book of Enoch; "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Mat 5:5) pulled from "The elect shall possess light, joy and peace, and they shall inherit the earth. (Enoch 5:7 {6:9})" 2."Wo unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. (Luke 6:24) Woe to you who are rich, for in your riches have you trusted; but from your riches you shall be removed. (Enoch 94:8 {93:7}). 3."Ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Mat. 19:28) I will place each of them on a throne of glory (Enoch 108:12 {105:26}) 4."Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed. (Luke 16:26) by a chasm . . . [are] their souls are separated (Enoch 22: 9,11{22:10,12}) 5."That ye may be called the children of light (John 12:36) the good from the generation of light (Enoch 108:11 {105: 25}) 6.One direct quote in the New Testament is by Jude, a brother of Jesus Christ: Jude 1:14-15, quoting Enoch 1:9... "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." You will love how this series of revelations help to fill in many blanks about: Genesis The description of the wickedness of the world - pre-flood of Noah How fallen angels corrupted human seed Destiny of angels Future apocalyptic events explained in more detail And much, much more! *The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, s.v. "Enoch, Books of," 547."


Book Synopsis The Book of Enoch by : Robert Bagley, III

Download or read book The Book of Enoch written by Robert Bagley, III and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-04-10 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why is "The Book Of Enoch" so important to anyone interested in Biblical History? The answer is simple...it is directly quoted in the New Testament by Jude (vv.14-15) and themes of the book referenced in 2 Peter 2:1. Also, the first 36 chapters have been considered Scripture in the Ethiopic Coptic Church (a church who ascribes their founder as the Apostle John). Additionally, it was one of the most significant Jewish Pseudepigrapha (writings ascribed to some other than the real author*). It is believed that The Book of Enoch was taken out of the Jewish Canon by the Sanhedrin just after Jesus' death because of the prophesies they thought pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. However, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church states, ..".this view has been increasingly questioned, especially since the discovery of the Qumran fragments [where Dead Sea Scrolls were found]; for although all the other sections of 1 Enoch are well represented in these fragments, the messianic chapters (37-71) were not represented at all. Nor are they represented in the Greek and Latin fragments. It is probable, therefore, that they are a later (Christian) insertion into the Book and that it was the New Testament which influenced them rather than vice versa."* There is no question, however, that the chapters outside chapters 37-71 are BC in their time-origin as they were part of the fragments in Qumran. For further proof, here are some stark and uncanny Book of Enoch references in the New Testament: 1.Jesus referred to The Book of Enoch; "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Mat 5:5) pulled from "The elect shall possess light, joy and peace, and they shall inherit the earth. (Enoch 5:7 {6:9})" 2."Wo unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. (Luke 6:24) Woe to you who are rich, for in your riches have you trusted; but from your riches you shall be removed. (Enoch 94:8 {93:7}). 3."Ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Mat. 19:28) I will place each of them on a throne of glory (Enoch 108:12 {105:26}) 4."Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed. (Luke 16:26) by a chasm . . . [are] their souls are separated (Enoch 22: 9,11{22:10,12}) 5."That ye may be called the children of light (John 12:36) the good from the generation of light (Enoch 108:11 {105: 25}) 6.One direct quote in the New Testament is by Jude, a brother of Jesus Christ: Jude 1:14-15, quoting Enoch 1:9... "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." You will love how this series of revelations help to fill in many blanks about: Genesis The description of the wickedness of the world - pre-flood of Noah How fallen angels corrupted human seed Destiny of angels Future apocalyptic events explained in more detail And much, much more! *The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, s.v. "Enoch, Books of," 547."


Ephesians

Ephesians

Author: D Min Dallas R Burdette

Publisher: Xulon Press

Published: 2013-01-01

Total Pages: 454

ISBN-13: 9781625093394

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One objective of this book is to set forth the heart of Christian theology. This volume is composed of sixteen in-depth studies designed to strengthen and encourage Christians in their daily walk with God and with one another. Chapter 1 begins with an overview of the Book of Ephesians in order to set the proper background to understanding how Paul unravels God's mystery. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 take a look at Paul's call to the ministry, the word saints, and the administration of God's grace. Chapter 5 explores the existence of God. Since Jesus is the center of Christianity, three chapters (6, 7, and 8) focus upon different aspects of Christ as Redeemer. Chapter 9 examines Paul's defense of Jesus' Incarnation. The next three Chapters (10, 11, and 12) are devoted to Christ as the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. Chapter 10 scans the Book of Genesis. Chapter 11 discusses Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15 and Balaam's prophecies in the Book of Numbers. Chapter 12 unfolds the progressive announcement of the Coming Messiah in the Book of Isaiah. The last three chapters (14, 15, and 16) are devoted to an analysis of the biblical concept of predestination and election. Dallas Burdette has been a serious student, teacher and preacher of the Bible for sixty-two years, supporting himself for many years as an agent for AFLAC. He has written numerous articles for religious journals, as well as many essays and sermons which are available on his website (www.freedominchrist.net). He has developed a keen interest in promoting unity among God's people through a more accurate reading of the Word. He has degrees from Amridge University (formerly Southern Christian University) where he also was Director of Extended Learning for five years. He holds the Doctor of Ministry degree (1999) from Erskine Theological Seminary.


Book Synopsis Ephesians by : D Min Dallas R Burdette

Download or read book Ephesians written by D Min Dallas R Burdette and published by Xulon Press. This book was released on 2013-01-01 with total page 454 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One objective of this book is to set forth the heart of Christian theology. This volume is composed of sixteen in-depth studies designed to strengthen and encourage Christians in their daily walk with God and with one another. Chapter 1 begins with an overview of the Book of Ephesians in order to set the proper background to understanding how Paul unravels God's mystery. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 take a look at Paul's call to the ministry, the word saints, and the administration of God's grace. Chapter 5 explores the existence of God. Since Jesus is the center of Christianity, three chapters (6, 7, and 8) focus upon different aspects of Christ as Redeemer. Chapter 9 examines Paul's defense of Jesus' Incarnation. The next three Chapters (10, 11, and 12) are devoted to Christ as the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. Chapter 10 scans the Book of Genesis. Chapter 11 discusses Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15 and Balaam's prophecies in the Book of Numbers. Chapter 12 unfolds the progressive announcement of the Coming Messiah in the Book of Isaiah. The last three chapters (14, 15, and 16) are devoted to an analysis of the biblical concept of predestination and election. Dallas Burdette has been a serious student, teacher and preacher of the Bible for sixty-two years, supporting himself for many years as an agent for AFLAC. He has written numerous articles for religious journals, as well as many essays and sermons which are available on his website (www.freedominchrist.net). He has developed a keen interest in promoting unity among God's people through a more accurate reading of the Word. He has degrees from Amridge University (formerly Southern Christian University) where he also was Director of Extended Learning for five years. He holds the Doctor of Ministry degree (1999) from Erskine Theological Seminary.


Almsgiving and Atonement Mystery - Essays in First Christianity

Almsgiving and Atonement Mystery - Essays in First Christianity

Author: Jonathan Ramachandran

Publisher: AnonymousChristian.Org

Published: 2021-01-07

Total Pages: 530

ISBN-13:

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This Book is written to highlight some First Christian Perspectives regarding Almsgiving and Atonement. We do not believe that Almsgiving can remove sins as only the Blood of Christ can do that making us “New” in the “Resurrection” where we ‘taste the powers of the age to come now’ by His Mercy. We do believe that Almsgiving does remove some Judgment of sins. Regardless of how Scriptural one might argue, we all point to ‘men of God’ which history sets before us as the ‘founding persons’ of certain theology or exegesis. So if God used John Calvin (as almost all protestants will agree) and John Calvin in turn points to St. Augustine, then if St. Augustine contemplated these same doctrinal points to some extent and is not a heretic, so we contemplating on these possibilities likewise to even a deeper extent without concluding anything must likewise be not deemed as ‘false teachers’, right? If this Book causes your faith in Christ to stumble in any way, we encourage you to stop reading but if it increases, solidifies or increases your faith in Lord Jesus Christ, we exhort you to continue reading it in any way that may be beneficial as you may seek our Most Blessed Saviour and Pray for His Leading in this accordingly. Thank you for reading it & Peace to you!


Book Synopsis Almsgiving and Atonement Mystery - Essays in First Christianity by : Jonathan Ramachandran

Download or read book Almsgiving and Atonement Mystery - Essays in First Christianity written by Jonathan Ramachandran and published by AnonymousChristian.Org. This book was released on 2021-01-07 with total page 530 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Book is written to highlight some First Christian Perspectives regarding Almsgiving and Atonement. We do not believe that Almsgiving can remove sins as only the Blood of Christ can do that making us “New” in the “Resurrection” where we ‘taste the powers of the age to come now’ by His Mercy. We do believe that Almsgiving does remove some Judgment of sins. Regardless of how Scriptural one might argue, we all point to ‘men of God’ which history sets before us as the ‘founding persons’ of certain theology or exegesis. So if God used John Calvin (as almost all protestants will agree) and John Calvin in turn points to St. Augustine, then if St. Augustine contemplated these same doctrinal points to some extent and is not a heretic, so we contemplating on these possibilities likewise to even a deeper extent without concluding anything must likewise be not deemed as ‘false teachers’, right? If this Book causes your faith in Christ to stumble in any way, we encourage you to stop reading but if it increases, solidifies or increases your faith in Lord Jesus Christ, we exhort you to continue reading it in any way that may be beneficial as you may seek our Most Blessed Saviour and Pray for His Leading in this accordingly. Thank you for reading it & Peace to you!


Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years

Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years

Author: John Wesley Hanson

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2017-04-26

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 9781546302971

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In his history of the early Christian church, John Wesley Hanson advances the view that Universalism - the belief that all humankind will ascend to heaven - was the initial, accepted doctrine of Christianity. A methodically argued and superbly written treatise which cites various pieces of evidence written and artistic, this book presents the various creeds of early Christianity in a manner vivid and engaging. The author for instance demonstrates how notions such as endless punishment were a later addition in deep contrast with the earlier Gnostic era teachings. The first centuries of the Christian church were filled with transition and change. The earliest Bible and saint-written texts were in Greek; it was only after the conversion of Emperor Constantine that Christians - liberated from Rome's persecutions - began to write their texts in Latin. This linguistic change alone was, according to Hanlon, the root of great upheaval. Hanson believed that the early Christian beliefs were dramatically altered when the Roman Empire was assimilated. Chiefly he cites the subsequent efforts of the Latin speaking Saint Augustine, resulting in a change of the official holy language from Greek to Latin, and thus alterations to the early doctrines. The stricter and more foreboding tone of the Latin changed Christianity; over subsequent years, adherents of Universalism - and many other beliefs deemed heretical - were subject to persecutions. Noting that Latin theologians would take to burning earlier texts with which they disagreed, Hanson argues that the interpretation of the crucifixion of Christ was also altered. He examines in depth the essential and eternal triumph of Christ's death upon the cross; this thesis therefore doubles as a superb study of sacrifice in the Christian lore. Hanson's core belief is that Christianity began as a simpler, kinder and joyous religion which closely followed and quoted the Gospels. This was a popular idea among scholars of the 19th century, and was and is to an extent agreed upon by various Protestant denominations. It is Hanson's work however that systematically and compellingly organizes, presents and argues the case for Universalism as a tenet cast away.


Book Synopsis Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years by : John Wesley Hanson

Download or read book Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years written by John Wesley Hanson and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-04-26 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In his history of the early Christian church, John Wesley Hanson advances the view that Universalism - the belief that all humankind will ascend to heaven - was the initial, accepted doctrine of Christianity. A methodically argued and superbly written treatise which cites various pieces of evidence written and artistic, this book presents the various creeds of early Christianity in a manner vivid and engaging. The author for instance demonstrates how notions such as endless punishment were a later addition in deep contrast with the earlier Gnostic era teachings. The first centuries of the Christian church were filled with transition and change. The earliest Bible and saint-written texts were in Greek; it was only after the conversion of Emperor Constantine that Christians - liberated from Rome's persecutions - began to write their texts in Latin. This linguistic change alone was, according to Hanlon, the root of great upheaval. Hanson believed that the early Christian beliefs were dramatically altered when the Roman Empire was assimilated. Chiefly he cites the subsequent efforts of the Latin speaking Saint Augustine, resulting in a change of the official holy language from Greek to Latin, and thus alterations to the early doctrines. The stricter and more foreboding tone of the Latin changed Christianity; over subsequent years, adherents of Universalism - and many other beliefs deemed heretical - were subject to persecutions. Noting that Latin theologians would take to burning earlier texts with which they disagreed, Hanson argues that the interpretation of the crucifixion of Christ was also altered. He examines in depth the essential and eternal triumph of Christ's death upon the cross; this thesis therefore doubles as a superb study of sacrifice in the Christian lore. Hanson's core belief is that Christianity began as a simpler, kinder and joyous religion which closely followed and quoted the Gospels. This was a popular idea among scholars of the 19th century, and was and is to an extent agreed upon by various Protestant denominations. It is Hanson's work however that systematically and compellingly organizes, presents and argues the case for Universalism as a tenet cast away.