Abstract
Early Christianity is not only a source of historical interest, it also challenges the systematic theology and Christian ethics of today. Early Christians saw themselves as a community of life with the Eucharist at its centre. Because they participated in eternal life, they were willing to sacrifice their earthly lives in times of persecution and in the care for those who were in mortal danger. As a community of life, they rejected killing any human being, and thus also rejected abortion and military service. They were not an alternative community marked by their diet, dress or emancipation. In such issues they adapted to their environment. They made a difference by their love for those who were in need and by their faithfulness to Christ – though their message was sometimes better than their praxis.
Highlights
Christians saw themselves as a community of life with the Eucharist at its centre. Because they participated in eternal life, they were willing to sacrifice their earthly lives in times of persecution and in the care for those who were in mortal danger
Christian thought has for a long time only been a matter of historical interest
There are three reasons why the early church may be important for theological thought today: Early Christianity is the beginning of the Christian tradition
Summary
Christian thought has for a long time only been a matter of historical interest. For the interpretation of Scripture, resourcing to the beginnings of Christian hermeneutics is of eminent importance For this the early church cannot be underestimated. It rather means that again and again theology must return critically to the sources in order to check the course of the church through history. Is she still on the right track, faithful to her identity?. A second reason for paying special attention to early Christianity, is that it was a time when Christianity was a minority in a multicultural society This is where the church finds itself today in many places. Exposed to totally different debates and positions abandoned long ago, provides new challenges, opens pathways to fresh understanding of the Christian message, and delivers theology from always moving along the same boring tracks
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