Universalism

In his history of the early Christian church, John Wesley Hanson advances the view that Universalism - the belief that all humankind will ascend to heaven - was the initial, accepted doctrine of Christianity.

A methodically argued and superbly written treatise which cites various pieces of evidence written and artistic, this book presents the various creeds of early Christianity in a manner vivid and engaging. The author for instance demonstrates how notions such as endless punishment were a later addition in deep contrast with the earlier Gnostic era teachings.

The first centuries of the Christian church were filled with transition and change. The earliest Bible and saint-written texts were in Greek; it was only after the conversion of Emperor Constantine that Christians - liberated from Rome's persecutions - began to write their texts in Latin. This linguistic change alone was, according to Hanlon, the root of great upheaval.