This book offers a general introduction to the origin and development of Christianity, from its Jewish background in the land of Israel up to its contribution to the thought and art of medieval Europe. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of the history, life and thought of the Early Church, with the evidence from the earliest written sources attesting to the manifestation in history of the Christian phenomenon, and explanations of the different expressions of thought and works in the Early Church, including its apocalyptic and messianic doctrines, liturgy and sacraments, monasticism, art and architecture.