Early Christianity

The principal characteristic of early Christianity was its plurality. A wide variety of
divergent and competing doctrines—gnostic, libertine, observant—were practiced, all
claiming the authority of Jesus Christ. The “orthodox” church—it was only after the
Roman government had given its support to one sect that the terms “orthodox” and
“heretical” became official—eventually accepted four Gospels—Mark (c. 64–70),
Matthew (c. 80–90), Luke (c. 70–90), and John (c. 95–115)—the book of Acts, fifteen
Pauline letters (only six are certainly by Paul), and a few other works as canonical.
Other, “heretical” texts were burned.
Category:Christianity
Category:History