ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers readers a clue as to how they might envisage that development. The reign of Constantine, the reign of the first Christian emperor, as marking a fundamental divide in the history of early Christianity. His policies undoubtedly invited Christians to embark upon new experiments in self-definition; but they also fostered disillusionment and crisis, as the Roman Empire faced less predictable opportunities and demands. The history of Christianity is rooted in that one conviction. The book examines founding elements of the new religion are provided for us, however, in the teachings of Jesus and Paul, and in the interpretations placed upon them by their immediate followers. It also outlasts the brilliance of Constantine's achievement: it created circumstances he took advantage of, but it also survived his failure.
