In this powerful and persuasive work, Gregory Riley exposes the notion of one standard Christianity - to which the various Christian traditions of the world claim fidelity - as a myth. From the very beginning writes the author; there was great diversity among those who identified themselves as followers of Jesus. Dozens of sects arose in different cities of the first-century Greco-Roman world, all claiming to be the religion of the risen Christ. Ultimately these early, doctrinally diverse Christianities led to the diversity of the Church today.

In clear and elegant prose Riley demonstrates that authentic Christianity is inherently pluralistic and tolerant of diverse beliefs. An expert on the context in which Christianity arose, Riley maps out a whole new understanding of the early churches, and conveys a vital message for today about the true nature of Christian faith.

Gregory J. Riley Ph.D., trained at Harvard University. He is professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the Claremont School of Theology in California and author of the acclaimed One Jesus, Many Christs.

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