The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University is pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of Ancient Christians: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints. Co-edited by Jason R. Combs (BYU Religious Education), Mark D. Ellison (BYU Religious Education), Catherine Gines Taylor (Maxwell Institute), and Kristian S. Heal (Maxwell Institute), Ancient Christians is a historical and theological window on Christianity’s first six centuries and beyond. It invites Latter-day Saints to encounter ancient followers of Jesus Christ, to hear what they heard, see what they saw, understand how they worshipped, and learn what they believed. Readers will come to see early Christian women and men as our sisters and brothers, fellow disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Informed by the questions and interests of Latter-day Saints, each chapter explores the history of important ancient Christian beliefs and practices. Readers will also experience the ancient Christians’ material world, their art, architecture, and manuscripts, through beautiful images that adorn the text. Together, their writings and art stand as a witness to the profound faith and devotion of these followers of Christ.
Latter-day Saints are connected with early Christians through Joseph Smith’s restoration project and what he called “the primitive church.” Yet the lives of these spiritual forebears are often overlooked, and their faith is sometimes misunderstood. In this book, readers are invited to learn from these venerable ancient Saints, feel their love of God, and rejoice in their testimonies of the Savior of the world.
Publication is expected in late 2022. Pre-order links will be announced upon availability.