Concise History of the Christian Religion

<p>Where did the concept of the church come from? It requires little consideration to convince us that the question which we propose to discuss in the present course of questions is from the religious point of view of supreme interest and importance. In truth it concerns no less than the very origin of Christianity. Passing beyond the modifications and development which contact with the varied culture of many nations or outward events have affected in the course of these eighteen centuries; passing also through the obscurity around the early age of Christianity due to insufficient or inexact records we can happily reach clearer light. We know the period of the rise of Christianity and as it seems to me we can better understand its connection with that which preceded its birth than with that which followed it and surrounded its infancy. Accordingly it is in this manner that we here propose to study its origin: inquiring into its connection with that which had gone before and of which it is the outcome rather than treading our uncertain steps through the intricate mazes of often-dubious tradition and apparently conflicting evidence up to the circumstances of its birth. Thus the great question before us is this: Christianity whence is it? The answer will in measure also decide that other: Christianity what is it divine or human; a revelation from heaven or the outcome of determining circumstances? In addition its issue: is it the Church Universal or only a new school of thought?</p>