The rise of Christian beliefs: the thought world of early Christians

Introduction

The relationship to "New Testament theology"

The structure of the present work

Timeline

Part 1: Roots and starting points

Second Temple Judaism

Greco-Roman religion and philosophy

Events, persons, sources

Part 2: Basic problems and solutions

Last things first : God, history, and beyond

After death : the destiny of the individual

Sold under sin? : the human condition

What must I do to be saved? : different paths to salvation

True man or true God? : the mediator of salvation

The empowering presence : experiences and doctrines of the Spirit

True Israel? : from Jewish to Christian identity

Strangers in a transitory world : Christians and pagans

Toward Christian Orthodoxy

Conclusion : Common ground and diversity in early Christian thought.