The Change of Conversion and the Origin of Christendom: Reprint edition

This book focuses on conversion and Christendom, and the relationship of one to the other. Alan Kreider helps readers think about the meaning of the word Christendom, its character and inner dynamics, arguing that methods of conversion produced Christendom. This study, then, examines Christendom as the product of conversion, the latter understood as changes within categories of belief, belonging, and behavior.

"Kreider traces the changing nature of the process of conversion across some four centuries, rightly emphasizing that it does indeed change. He describes it through a careful, well-directed choice of liturgical, autobiographical, homiletic, and theological texts. I know of no better treatment of religious initiation undergone by the most seriously committed Christians of the second to sixth century." -- Ramsay MacMullen, Yale University

"Written in a lively and clear manner, this small volume makes many connections between different aspects of early Christian history and practice. I have learned from reading it and recommend it to both scholars and beginners." -- Paul Bradshaw, University of Notre Dame

Alan Kreider is Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture, Regents Park College, Oxford.