Christianity in Roman Africa: The Development of Its Practices and Beliefs

Synopsis

Using A Combination Of Literary And Archeological Evidence, This In-depth, Illustrated Book Documents The Development Of Christian Practices And Doctrine In Roman Africa--contemporary Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, And Morocco--from The Second Century Through The Arab Conquest In The Seventh Century. Robin Jensen And Patout Burns, In Collaboration With Graeme W. Clarke, Susan T. Stevens, William Tabbernee, And Maureen A. Tilley, Skillfully Reconstruct The Rituals And Practices Of Christians In The Ancient Buildings And Spaces Where Those Practices Were Performed. Numerous Site Drawings And Color Photographs Of The Archeological Remains Illuminate The Discussions. This Work Provides Valuable New Insights Into The Church Fathers Tertullian, Cyprian, And Augustine. Most Significantly, It Offers A Rich, Unprecedented Look At Early Christian Life In Roman Africa, Including The Development Of Key Rituals And Practices Such As Baptism And Eucharist, The Election And Ordination Of Leaders, Marriage, And Burial. In Exploring These, Christianity In Roman Africa Shows How The Early African Christians Consistently Fought To Preserve The Holiness Of The Church Amid Change And Challenge.--publisher's Web Site. Christianity In North Africa To Diocletian -- The Christian Imperial Period : Diocletian To The Vandals -- Fifth-century Conflicts : Vandal Arians And African Nicenes -- Survey Of The Archeological Evidence For Christian Practice -- Becoming A Christian : The Ritual Of Baptism -- Living In Peace : The Celebration Of Word And Eucharist -- Keeping The Church Pure : Excluding And Readmitting Sinners -- Leadership : The Clergy And The Sacrament Of Orders -- Forms Of Christian Life : Marriage, Virginity, And Widowhood -- The Ending Of Christian Life : Death And Burial -- Honoring The Victorious Heroes : The Cult Of The Martyrs -- Pious Practices Of Christian Living -- The Church And Its Holiness. J. Patout Burns, Jr. & Robin M. Jensen ; In Collaboration With Graeme W. Clarke, Susan T. Stevens, William Tabbernee, Maureen A. Tilley. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.