{"title":"Dr M. David Litwa","description":"\u003cp\u003eDr M. David Litwa’s works invite readers into a profound exploration of early Christian history and its diverse traditions. His scholarship illuminates the complex origins of Christianities, offering insights that challenge conventional narratives and deepen understanding of religious development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a focus rooted in education and reference, Litwa’s books combine rigorous research with accessible prose. They are essential for those interested in theology, ancient history, and the varied voices that shaped early Christian thought.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"found-christianities-by-dr-m-david-litwa-9780567703866","title":"Found Christianities","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM. David Litwa tells the stories of the early Christians whose religious identity was either challenged or outright denied. In the second century, many different groups and sects claimed to be the only Orthodox or authentic version of Christianity. Litwa shows how those groups and figures on the side of developing Christian Orthodoxy often dismissed other versions of Christianity by refusing to call them \u003cem\u003eChristian\u003c\/em\u003e. However, the writings and treatises against these groups contain fascinating hints of what they believed and why they called themselves Christian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLitwa outlines these different groups and the controversies that surrounded them, presenting readers with an overview of the vast tapestry of beliefs that made up second century Christianity. By moving beyond notions of \u003cem\u003egnostic\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eheretical\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eorthodox\u003c\/em\u003e, Litwa allows these \"lost Christianities\" to speak for themselves. He also questions the notion of some Christian identities \"surviving\" or \"perishing\", arguing that all second century \"Catholic\" groups look very different to any form of modern Roman Catholicism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLitwa shows that countless discourses, ideas, and practices are continually recycled and adapted throughout time in the building of Christian identities, and indeed that the influence of so-called \"lost\" Christianities can still be felt today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47463045103852,"sku":"9780567703866","price":60.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780567703866-found-christianities.jpg?v=1775026931"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/dr-m-david-litwa.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}